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Follow-up of infants with colic into childhood: Do they develop behavioural problems?
Judith Zeevenhooven1,2, Françoise E de Bruin3, Renske Schappin1
1Department of Medical Psychology and Social Work, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|September 2, 2022
Summary
Infants with colic (IC) show increased internalizing behavioral problems in preschool. Parenting stress is linked to these issues, highlighting the need for early support for families.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Pediatric health
- Child behavioral science
Background:
- Infant colic (IC) affects a significant portion of newborns, characterized by unexplained crying.
- Potential long-term developmental consequences of IC into childhood remain an area of research interest.
- Understanding the link between early infant experiences and later behavioral outcomes is crucial for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if infants with colic exhibit persistent developmental dysregulation into childhood.
- To identify specific behavioral problems in preschool children with a history of infant colic.
- To determine the association between these behavioral problems and parenting factors, particularly parenting stress.
Main Methods:
- An observational follow-up study included preschool children (aged 4.6-5.5 years) with a history of infant colic (defined by Wessel criteria).
- Caregivers completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) to assess behavioral problems.
- Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regressions, were used to compare with normative data and identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- Children with a history of infant colic showed significantly higher risks of clinical-range internalizing, emotionally reactive, and total behavioral problems.
- Internalizing, externalizing, and total behavioral problems were significantly associated with higher parenting stress scores.
- The study included 258 children, with a median age of 5.1 years.
Conclusions:
- Children with a history of infant colic demonstrate a higher prevalence of internalizing behavioral problems in preschool.
- Parenting stress is a significant factor associated with behavioral issues in children with a history of colic.
- Targeted advice and support are essential for parents to manage and regulate their child's behavior from infancy through childhood.
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