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Early Emergence of Delayed Social Competence in Infants Born Late and Moderately Preterm

Samantha Johnson1, Ruth Matthews, Elizabeth S Draper

  • 1*Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; †Department of Academic Neonatology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|October 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Infants born late and moderately preterm (32-36 weeks gestation) face a higher risk of delayed social competence by age 2. This finding highlights potential long-term developmental challenges for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Late and moderately preterm (LMPT) infants (32-36 weeks gestation) represent a significant proportion of premature births.
  • Understanding the developmental trajectories of LMPT infants is crucial for early intervention and support.
  • Previous research has identified various risks associated with preterm birth, but specific social-emotional outcomes for LMPT infants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate behavioral outcomes and social competence in LMPT infants at 2 years corrected age.
  • To compare these outcomes with those of term-born infants.
  • To identify risk factors associated with delayed social competence in LMPT infants.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, population-based study recruited 1130 LMPT infants and 1255 term-born controls.
  • Parents completed the Brief Infant and Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) at 2 years corrected age.
  • Statistical analyses adjusted for covariates including sex, socioeconomic status, and cognitive impairment.

Main Results:

  • LMPT infants showed a significantly increased risk of delayed social competence (26.4% vs. 18.4%; adjusted RR 1.28).
  • No significant difference in behavior problems was observed between LMPT and term-born infants.
  • Independent predictors of delayed social competence in LMPT infants included non-white ethnicity, higher socioeconomic risk, and maternal drug use during pregnancy.

Conclusions:

  • Birth between 32-36 weeks gestation is associated with a specific risk for delayed social competence at 2 years.
  • This finding may suggest an elevated risk for later childhood psychiatric disorders.
  • Early identification and intervention for social-emotional development in LMPT infants are warranted.
Abstract

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