Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

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

Published on: August 25, 2014

Preterm birth and the association with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children born in Pakistan: a

Arsalan Tariq1, Abdul Saad2

  • 1University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan at81931@gmail.com.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|July 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth significantly increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in Pakistani children. The risk is highest for preterm infants from low socioeconomic status (SES) households.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) pose a significant challenge to child development globally.
  • Preterm birth is a known risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Limited data exists on the association between preterm birth and NDDs in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between preterm birth and the prevalence of NDDs in Pakistani children aged 2-6 years.
  • To identify specific NDDs associated with preterm birth.
  • To examine the combined impact of prematurity and socioeconomic status (SES) on NDD risk.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study of 2634 Pakistani children (aged 2-6 years).
  • Utilized standardized developmental screening tools (ASQ-3, M-CHAT-R, Bayley-III) and DSM-5 criteria for NDD assessment.
  • Employed multivariable logistic and Poisson regression analyses, adjusting for relevant covariates, to assess associations and relative risks.

Main Results:

  • Preterm birth prevalence was 27.7%, with higher NDD rates (25.8%) compared to full-term children (13.4%).
  • Increased NDD prevalence was observed with greater prematurity severity (extreme, very, late preterm).
  • Preterm birth, low maternal education, male sex, low income, and NICU admission were independently associated with NDDs. Children with both preterm birth and low SES had the highest odds of NDDs (aOR=9.43).

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for NDDs in Pakistani children.
  • Low socioeconomic status exacerbates the risk of NDDs in preterm infants.
  • Interventions targeting preterm infants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are crucial for mitigating NDD burden.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cerebral PalsyCross-Sectional StudiesDeveloping CountriesEpidemiologyLow and Middle Income Countries

More Related Videos

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 105:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.