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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Correlates of concern in parents of high-risk infants at age five

A M Jensen1, D C Harper

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|August 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Parental concerns about high-risk infant development align with medical history. Children with lower birth weights and longer hospital stays at birth showed developmental and behavioral concerns at age 5.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • High-risk birth can impact infants and parents, causing medical vulnerability and affecting caregiving.
  • Parental perceptions of medical vulnerability may influence caregiving for high-risk infants.
  • Understanding the congruence between parental concerns and child outcomes is crucial for support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if parental concerns at age 5 match the medical history and developmental performance of high-risk infants.
  • To investigate the relationship between parental perceptions and objective measures of child development.
  • To assess the long-term impact of birth trauma on child development and parental well-being.

Main Methods:

  • Surveyed 223 parents of high-risk infants regarding developmental, social, and medical concerns at child's age 5.
  • Correlated parental concerns with child's birth history (birth weight, prematurity, hospital stay duration).
  • Assessed child's cognitive abilities and potential behavioral problems at age 5.

Main Results:

  • Parents reporting higher concerns had children with lower birth weights, earlier birth, and longer hospitalizations.
  • Children of highly concerned parents exhibited lower cognitive outcomes at age 5.
  • These children were also more likely to display potential behavior problems.

Conclusions:

  • Parental concerns regarding high-risk infants are congruent with their birth history and developmental status.
  • The study highlights the importance of addressing parental perceptions alongside medical interventions.
  • Findings suggest a need for comprehensive support for families of high-risk infants.

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