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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Child and family attributes of failure-to-thrive

W G Bithoney, E H Newberger

    Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
    |February 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Non-organic failure-to-thrive (FTT) in children is linked to poor infant health, high sensory reactivity, and disrupted feeding interactions. Social and familial factors also significantly contribute to this condition.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Child Psychology
    • Sociology

    Background:

    • Non-organic failure-to-thrive (FTT) is a complex condition affecting child development.
    • Understanding the multifactorial etiology of FTT is crucial for effective intervention.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify key factors differentiating children with non-organic FTT from healthy controls.
    • To explore the interplay of infant characteristics, family dynamics, and social environment in FTT.

    Main Methods:

    • Matched case-control study involving 41 children with non-organic FTT and 41 controls.
    • Precoded maternal interviews assessed family stress, social isolation, infant health, and child temperament.
    • Regression analysis identified significant variables associated with FTT diagnosis.

    Main Results:

    • Poor child health, high sensory reactivity, and disordered feeding interactions were significant predictors of FTT.
    • Social isolation, limited maternal respite, and specific family structures were also associated with FTT.
    • Ten variables explained 81% of the variance between FTT cases and controls.

    Conclusions:

    • FTT is associated with a combination of infant developmental idiosyncrasies and adverse social/familial factors.
    • The study suggests a complex interplay, questioning whether identified factors are causes or consequences of FTT.

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