Parent and family outcomes following very preterm or very low birth weight birth: a review

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Karli Treyvaud1

  • 1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|November 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Parent and family functioning significantly impacts child development, especially for those born very preterm (VPT) or with very low birth weight (VLBW). These effects are most pronounced in early childhood and influenced by child, parent, and social factors.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Parenting and family environment profoundly influence child development.
  • Children born very preterm (VPT) or with very low birth weight (VLBW) face increased risks.
  • Parent and family functioning are critical for the resilience of VPT/VLBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review parent and family outcomes following VPT/VLBW birth.
  • To examine factors associated with these parental and family outcomes.
  • To specifically investigate outcomes for fathers of VPT/VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing existing research on parent and family outcomes.
  • Analysis of factors influencing parental mental health, parenting stress, and family impact.
  • Inclusion of studies examining paternal psychological distress and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Parental mental health, parenting stress, and family impact are significant outcomes after VPT/VLBW birth.
  • The influence of VPT/VLBW birth on parents and families is strongest in early childhood, diminishing by adolescence.
  • Fathers experience high psychological distress in early months post-VPT birth; child characteristics strongly predict outcomes, alongside parent and social factors.

Conclusions:

  • VPT/VLBW birth has a substantial, though time-limited, impact on parental and family well-being.
  • Interventions should consider child, parent, and social factors to support families of VPT/VLBW infants.
  • Fathers require targeted support, particularly in the initial period following VPT birth.

Keywords:
FamilyOutcomesParentPreterm birthVery low birth weight

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