Early Biomedical and Environmental Factors Associated with Developmental Coordination Disorder in a Brazilian Preterm...

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is frequent in preterm children, but its etiology remains unclear, with conflicting findings across studies. Moreover, no previous research has examined the rate and risk factors of DCD in Brazilian preterm populations.

To investigate biomedical and environmental risk factors associated with a later indication of DCD at preschool age in Brazilian preterm children.

Sixty-three preterm children from a follow-up clinic were assessed at preschool age using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2). Biomedical data from the NICU stay and socioeconomic/environmental information were collected. The associations between potential risk factors and DCD were explored using multivariate logistic regression.

The prevalence of DCD was 52.4% (n = 33). Group differences were observed in sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilatory support, and family income. Logistic regression [χ²(4) = 31.39; p < 0.006] identified sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and family income as significantly factors associated with DCD.

Both biomedical and environmental risk factors are associated with DCD at preschool age. These findings highlight the need for early screening and monitoring, as minor motor difficulties may be overlooked when such risk factors are observed.