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Early intervention improves behavioral outcomes for preterm infants: randomized controlled trial

S Marianne Nordhov1, John A Rønning, Stein Erik Ulvund

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of North Norway, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway. marianne.nordhov@unn.no

Pediatrics
|December 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

An early intervention program significantly reduced behavioral problems in children with low birth weights (<2000 g) by age 5. This Mother-Infant Transaction Program improved parent-reported outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Children with birth weights below 2000 grams are at higher risk for developmental and behavioral issues.
  • Early intervention programs aim to mitigate these risks and improve long-term outcomes.
  • Parental reporting is a key component in assessing behavioral development in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Mother-Infant Transaction Program for infants with very low birth weights (<2000 g).
  • To assess behavioral outcomes at corrected age of 5 years.
  • To determine if the intervention impacts parent-reported and teacher-reported behavioral problems.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted using a modified Mother-Infant Transaction Program.
  • Participants included infants with birth weights <2000 g, with a term-born reference group.
  • Behavioral outcomes were assessed at 5 years using the Child Behavior Check List and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group (72 infants) showed significantly fewer behavioral problems reported by parents compared to the control group (74 infants).
  • No significant differences in behavioral problems were reported by preschool teachers between the groups.
  • A higher proportion of children in the preterm control group scored within the clinical range on both behavioral assessment tools.

Conclusions:

  • The modified Mother-Infant Transaction Program is effective in reducing behavioral problems in children with very low birth weights.
  • Parent-reported outcomes indicate a positive impact of the early intervention.
  • Further research may explore teacher-reported outcomes and long-term effects.
Abstract

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