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Effects of a Home-Based Family-Centred Early Habilitation Program on Neurobehavioural Outcomes of Very Preterm Born

Michela Poggioli1, Fabrizio Minichilli2, Tiziana Bononi1

  • 1Unità Operativa Neuropsichiatria Infanzia e Adolescenza (UONPIA), ASST Fatebenefratelli e Sacco, 20157 Milano, Italy.

Neural Plasticity
|January 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Early intervention for very preterm infants using a home-based habilitation program significantly improved cognitive and behavioral outcomes. This family-centered approach supports infant development and parent-infant relationships.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Family Medicine

Background:

  • Very preterm infants face higher risks of neurodevelopmental impairments, including psychomotor and language delays.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating long-term developmental challenges in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a home-based, family-centered early developmental habilitation program on neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes.
  • To compare outcomes of very preterm children receiving the intervention versus standard follow-up at 2 years corrected age.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study design involving 123 very preterm infants.
  • Intervention group received an individually adapted, home-based program focused on environmental enrichment and parent guidance.
  • Control group received standard follow-up care.
  • Developmental outcomes assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development 2nd Edition at 24 months corrected age.

Main Results:

  • The habilitation program significantly enhanced both cognitive and behavioral outcomes in very preterm children.
  • While males scored lower than females, the intervention demonstrated equal effectiveness across both genders.
  • Improvements were observed in cognitive function, language, and motor skills.

Conclusions:

  • A tailored, home-based, family-centered habilitation program positively influences neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes for very preterm infants.
  • Optimizing the infant's environment and fostering parent-infant interaction are key to promoting developmental progress.
  • This approach offers a valuable strategy for supporting the long-term well-being of preterm infants.

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