Interdisciplinary Assessment of Premature Newborns and Their Families in a Hospital Setting in Medellín, Colombia

Juan Esteban López Cardona ¹, Angie Estefanía Mesa Burbano ², Leidy Yohana Apolinar Joven ²

⁰Psique y Sociedad, Programa de Psicología, Fundación Universitaria María Cano, Medellín 050021, Colombia.

Children (basel, Switzerland) +

|

November 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Early detection of neurological risk in preterm infants is crucial. This study found low neurological risk and few feeding issues, but highlighted social and psychological challenges impacting caregivers

Area Of Science

Neonatal care
Developmental pediatrics
Neurology

Background

Preterm infants face heightened risks for conditions like Cerebral Palsy (CP).
Early, interdisciplinary detection is vital for timely interventions.
Recommended tools like HINE, WHOQOL-BREF, and EFIN are underutilized in Colombia.

Purpose Of The Study

To analyze the relationship between neurological risk, feeding functions, and caregiver quality of life in preterm infants.
To assess the implementation gap of early CP detection tools in Colombia.

Main Methods

A cross-sectional observational and analytical study.
Inclusion of 43 preterm infants.
Assessment of neurological risk, suction-swallowing-breathing functions, and caregiver quality of life.

Main Results

Low prevalence of neurological risk (9.30%) and feeding difficulties (97.67% normal).
Lowest caregiver quality of life scores reported in social relationships and psychological health domains.
Identified perinatal factors requiring follow-up for preterm infants.

Conclusions

While neurological and feeding risks were low in this cohort, ongoing perinatal factor monitoring is essential.
Social and psychological support for families of preterm infants must be prioritized.
Highlights the need for integrating standardized assessments for early CP detection in neonatal follow-up.

Keywords:

cerebral palsy deglutition early diagnosis interdisciplinary studies premature quality of life