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Temperament and behavior in toddlers born preterm with related clinical problems

Rafaela Guilherme Monte Cassiano1, Claudia Maria Gaspardo1, Ricardo Augusto de Deus Faciroli1

  • 1Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

Early Human Development
|June 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Preterm toddlers' temperament and behavior were not affected by prematurity level or conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). However, longer NICU stays increased behavioral issues, while age improved temperament regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Child psychology
  • Pediatric health

Background:

  • Preterm birth can impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are common complications in preterm infants.
  • Understanding temperament and behavior in preterm toddlers is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare temperament and behavior profiles in preterm toddlers based on prematurity level and presence of BPD or ROP.
  • To control for neonatal clinical conditions and chronological age in the analysis.
  • To identify factors influencing temperament and behavior in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 100 preterm toddlers was assessed.
  • Participants were categorized by prematurity level and presence of BPD or ROP.
  • Temperament was measured using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire, and behavior using the Child Behavior Checklist.
  • MANOVA with post-hoc univariate tests was employed.

Main Results:

  • The level of prematurity, BPD, and ROP did not significantly affect temperament or behavioral problems.
  • Chronological age positively influenced inhibitory control and negatively influenced activity levels.
  • Longer Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stays were associated with increased pervasive developmental and emotionally reactive problems.

Conclusions:

  • Prematurity level and specific morbidities (BPD, ROP) do not appear to be primary drivers of temperament and behavioral issues in preterm toddlers.
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) length of stay is a significant risk factor for behavioral problems.
  • Age plays a vital role in the development and regulation of temperament during toddlerhood.
Abstract

Keywords:
BehaviorBronchopulmonary dysplasiaPrematurityRetinopathy of prematurityTemperament

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