Factors influencing participation in home, school, and community settings by 6- to 9-year-old children born preterm:

Tiffany K Bradshaw1,2, James T D Gibbons1,2,3, Andrew C Wilson1,3,4

  • 1Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.

Insights

Very preterm children face diverse health needs and participation challenges in middle childhood. Parental insights highlight impacts on their child

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Middle childhood (6-9 years) is crucial for developing motor, reasoning, self-regulation, social, and executive functioning skills.
  • Limited research exists on the activities and participation of very preterm children during this developmental stage.
  • Understanding these children's experiences is vital for targeted support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the health, activities, and participation of very preterm children (born <32 weeks gestation) aged 6-9 years.
  • To gather parents' perspectives on their children's functioning and engagement in various life domains.
  • To identify factors influencing the activities and participation of these children.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative descriptive study design.
  • Semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 parents of 27 very preterm children.
  • Interview data analyzed and coded using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth version (ICF-CY) domains.

Main Results:

  • Parents reported a wide spectrum of health needs, including respiratory, mental health, behavioral, sleep, and nutritional challenges.
  • Children's participation and functioning were influenced by personal factors (e.g., preferences, motivation) and environmental factors (e.g., parenting, educational support, healthcare access).
  • Diverse participation outcomes were observed, indicating varied experiences among very preterm children.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth significantly impacts children's health, activities, and participation during middle childhood.
  • A comprehensive understanding of these impacts is essential for effective clinical management.
  • Parental perspectives offer valuable insights into the holistic well-being of very preterm children.
Abstract

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