Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 10, 2025

P50 Sensory Gating in Infants
12:55

P50 Sensory Gating in Infants

Published on: December 26, 2013

9.5K

Gender distinctive impacts of prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) on age-6 attention problems

James Hall1,2, Julia Jaekel1,3, Dieter Wolke1,4

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, UK.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health
|August 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Predictors of attention problems are clarified: prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) increase risk. These factors impact boys and girls differently, influencing attention development through distinct pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Predictors of attention problems require further clarification.
  • Distinguishing between prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) is crucial for understanding attention deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct roles of prematurity and SGA in predicting attention problems in children.
  • To explore gender differences in the pathways leading to attention problems.
  • To examine indirect perinatal effects on attention at age 6.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study of 1437 children from birth to 6 years of age.
  • Analysis of gender differences and indirect perinatal effects (head circumference, cognition at 20 months) on attention problems at age 6.

Main Results:

  • Increased risk for attention problems was observed in boys, preterm infants, and SGA children.
  • Indirect perinatal effects on attention problems varied between genders.
  • SGA was associated with reduced brain volume, while prematurity was linked to altered brain function.

Conclusions:

  • The pathways to attention problems differ for SGA and preterm children.
  • Prematurity and cognitive dysfunction are stronger predictors of attention problems in females.
  • Understanding these distinct pathways is vital for targeted interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
AttentionSGAgenderprematurity

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

895
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

87.2K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
605
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
765
Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is...
373
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
346