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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

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

Published on: August 25, 2014

Developmental delay in moderately preterm-born children with low socioeconomic status: risks multiply

Marieke R Potijk1, Jorien M Kerstjens, Arend F Bos

  • 1Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Low socioeconomic status (SES) and moderate prematurity (MP) are independent risk factors for developmental delay in preschoolers. Children with both low SES and MP face a compounded risk, requiring targeted pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric health
  • Socioeconomic determinants of health

Background:

  • Socioeconomic status (SES) and moderate prematurity (MP) are recognized risk factors for child development.
  • Understanding their independent and combined effects on preschool developmental delay is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the individual and joint impacts of low SES and moderate prematurity on developmental delay at age 4.
  • To identify specific developmental domains affected by these risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study of 926 moderately preterm-born (32-36 weeks gestation) and 544 term-born children.
  • SES assessed via education, occupation, and income; developmental delay evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analyzed standardized SES and gestational age (GA) values.

Main Results:

  • Overall developmental delay prevalence was higher in moderately preterm children (12.5% low SES) compared to term-born children (7.2% low SES).
  • Decreasing SES showed a greater increase in developmental delay risk than decreasing GA, though not statistically significant (ORs 1.62 vs 1.34).
  • Multiplicative interaction observed for communication domain, indicating combined effects of SES and GA.

Conclusions:

  • Low SES and moderate prematurity independently increase the risk of preschool developmental delay.
  • The combined effect of low SES and moderate prematurity presents a significant 'double jeopardy' risk.
  • Pediatric care should prioritize early identification and support for moderately preterm children from low SES backgrounds.
Abstract

Keywords:
ASQAges and Stages QuestionnaireGAGestational ageLollipopLongitudinal Preterm Outcome ProjectMPModerately preterm-bornPCHPreventive child healthcareSESSocioeconomic status

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