Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Neonatal Morbidity at Term, Early Child Development, and School Performance: A Population Study
Jason P Bentley1, Francisco J Schneuer2, Samantha J Lain2
1Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, and jason.bentley@sydney.edu.au.
Insights
Severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) in term infants is linked to increased risks of developmental and school performance issues. Early intervention and follow-up are crucial for these children.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Child Development
- Pediatric Outcomes
Background:
- Severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) affects term infants, necessitating investigation into long-term neurodevelopmental consequences.
- Understanding the impact of SNM on child development and academic achievement is critical for targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between severe neonatal morbidity and subsequent child development and school performance in term infants.
- To provide population-based data informing clinical guidance and parental support.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of term infants without major congenital conditions in New South Wales, Australia, was analyzed.
- Developmental assessments and school performance data were linked to neonatal records.
- Statistical models adjusted for sociodemographic, perinatal, and assessment factors.
Main Results:
- Severe neonatal morbidity was associated with increased odds of developmental vulnerabilities (physical health, language, cognitive skills).
- SNM showed a strong association with special needs and test exemptions in school.
- Infants born at 37-38 weeks' gestation and small for gestational age with SNM faced higher risks.
Conclusions:
- Term infants experiencing severe neonatal morbidity demonstrate a higher likelihood of neurodevelopmental challenges in childhood.
- These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and early intervention strategies for infants with SNM.
- Population-level data can guide clinical counseling and support services for affected families.
Objectives:
Investigate the association between severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) and child development and school performance among term infants.
Methods:
The study population included term infants without major congenital conditions born between 2000 and 2007 in New South Wales, Australia, with a linked record of developmental assessment at ages 4 to 6 years in 2009 or 2012 (n = 144 535) or school performance at ages 7 to 9 years from 2009 to 2014 (n = 253 447). Developmental outcomes included special needs or being vulnerable and/or at risk in 1 of 5 developmental domains. School performance outcomes were test exemption, or performing <-1 SD on reading or numeracy tests. Binary generalized estimating equations were used to estimate associations between SNM and outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic, perinatal, and assessment and/or test characteristics.
Results:
Overall, 2.1% of infants experienced SNM. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for SNM and physical health was 1.18 (1.08-1.29), 1.14 (1.02-1.26) for language and cognitive skills, and 1.14 (1.06-1.24) and 1.13 (1.05-1.21) for scoring <-1 SD in reading and numeracy, respectively. SNM was most strongly associated with special needs 1.34 (1.15-1.55) and test exemption 1.50 (1.25-1.81). SNM infants born at 37 to 38 weeks' gestation and who were small for gestational age had the greatest likelihood of poorer outcomes.
Conclusions:
Term infants with SNM have greater odds of poor neurodevelopment in childhood. These findings provide population-based information for families and can inform clinical counseling and guidelines for follow-up and early intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Conservation of Small Populations
What is Population Genetics?
What are Populations and Communities?
Population Growth
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...

