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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.
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.
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