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Determinants of cognitive ability at 7 years: a longitudinal case-control study of children born

Reremoana F Theodore1, John M D Thompson, Karen E Waldie

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. m.theodore@auckland.ac.nz

European Journal of Pediatrics
|January 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth at term did not impact children's intelligence at age 7. However, factors like paternal education and developmental delay significantly influenced cognitive development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Child intelligence is influenced by various prenatal and postnatal factors.
  • Small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth is a common concern in neonatal care.
  • Long-term cognitive outcomes for SGA infants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify determinants of children's intelligence at 7 years.
  • To assess the impact of small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth at term on cognitive development.
  • To explore the influence of pregnancy, postnatal, and demographic factors on childhood intelligence.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study with data collection at birth, 1, 3.5, and 7 years.
  • Inclusion of 871 children, with approximately half born SGA.
  • Multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of intelligence scores at 7 years.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in IQ scores between SGA and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) children at 7 years (p = 0.45).
  • Paternal education, developmental delay, and birth order were significant predictors of 7-year intelligence scores.
  • SGA birth at term showed no long-term adverse effect on intelligence in middle childhood.

Conclusions:

  • Small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth at term does not appear to have a lasting negative impact on children's intelligence.
  • Modifiable postnatal and demographic factors are crucial predictors of cognitive development.
  • Focusing on factors like paternal education and early developmental support may enhance children's intelligence.

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