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Behavioral problems in very preterm children at five years of age using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire:

Timm Bartal1, Mark Adams2, Giancarlo Natalucci3

  • 1Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

Early Human Development
|October 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children born very preterm (VPT) exhibit more emotional symptoms, unlike previous findings. Lower socioeconomic status independently predicts at-risk behavior in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Children born very preterm (VPT) face heightened risks for emotional and behavioral issues.
  • Understanding the specific behavioral spectrum in VPT children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and spectrum of behavioral abnormalities in five-year-old VPT children.
  • To identify risk factors associated with these behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A multi-center cohort study followed 339 VPT children (born <32 weeks gestation) up to age five.
  • Behavior was assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, compared to German norms.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analyzed perinatal, neonatal, socio-economic, and neurodevelopmental risk factors.

Main Results:

  • 30.7% of VPT survivors were assessed; they showed significantly higher emotional symptom scores (OR 1.53).
  • Total difficulties scores were comparable to the general population.
  • Lower socioeconomic status emerged as the sole independent predictor of at-risk behavior.

Conclusions:

  • The behavioral profile of VPT children in this Swiss cohort differs, with emotional problems more prevalent than hyperactivity.
  • Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at increased risk for behavioral abnormalities.
  • Findings highlight the need for targeted support for VPT children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Abstract

Keywords:
BehaviorEarly childhoodNeurodevelopmentPremature birth

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