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Is premature birth an environmental sensitivity factor? A scoping review protocol

Francesca Lionetti1, Antonio Dellagiulia2, Giulia Prudentino2

  • 1Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy francesca.lionetti@unich.it.

BMJ Open
|October 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth may increase children's sensitivity to environmental factors, influencing development positively or negatively. This review explores prematurity as an environmental sensitivity (ES) factor, considering various influences.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Approximately 10% of global births are preterm, associated with adverse developmental outcomes.
  • Preterm birth may act as a susceptibility factor, heightening sensitivity to environmental influences.
  • Existing literature on prematurity as an environmental sensitivity (ES) factor is controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a scoping review exploring if preterm birth is associated with increased environmental sensitivity (ES).
  • To examine moderating variables such as prematurity level, environmental type, and outcome.
  • To consider methodological aspects including measurement and study design.

Main Methods:

  • Scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology guidelines.
  • Adherence to PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.
  • Systematic literature search conducted between January 15 and February 1, 2022, with independent data charting.

Main Results:

  • This section is to be populated upon completion of the review.
  • The review will synthesize findings on prematurity and environmental sensitivity.
  • Analysis will consider moderating and methodological factors.

Conclusions:

  • This scoping review is the first to investigate prematurity as a potential environmental sensitivity factor.
  • Findings could inform tailored prevention and intervention programs for preterm infants.
  • Results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Abstract

Keywords:
community child healthneonatologypreventive medicine

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