Risk factors for fine and gross motor development in preterm and term infants

Francine Manara Bortagarai1, Anaelena Bragança de Moraes2, Fernanda Dos Santos Pichini3

  • 1Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Uruguaiana (RS), Brasil.

Codas
|June 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Infant motor development delay is linked to various factors, including maternal history, infant biological risks, and family psychosocial issues, with psychic risk being particularly significant. Understanding these associations aids in early intervention for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Motor development is crucial for infant well-being.
  • Preterm and term infants face varying developmental trajectories.
  • Identifying risk factors for motor delay is essential for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine sociodemographic, obstetrical, and psychosocial factors associated with fine and gross motor delay.
  • To investigate these associations in infants aged 3 months to 12 months.
  • To differentiate risk factors in preterm versus term infants.

Main Methods:

  • The Denver II Test assessed fine and gross motor skills in infants across three age phases.
  • Data on sociodemographic, obstetrical, and psychosocial factors were collected via interviews and specific protocols (Child Development Risk Indicators, PREAUT).
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

  • Maternal history (pregnancy planning, delivery type, prenatal care, medication use) was associated with motor delay.
  • Infant characteristics (gender, mechanical ventilation, feeding issues) and sociodemographic factors (maternal education, household size) were significant.
  • Psychosocial factors, especially family participation and psychic risk, showed a strong association with motor development delay.

Conclusions:

  • Motor development delay in infants is significantly associated with a combination of environmental and biological variables.
  • Psychic risk emerged as a particularly influential factor in infant motor development.
  • These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to assessing and supporting infant development.
Abstract

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