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Behavioral problems in low-birthweight preschoolers
K Sommerfelt1, K Troland, B Ellertsen
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Bergen, Norway.
Insights
Children born with low birthweight (LBW) exhibit more preschool behavioral issues, including social insecurity and anxiety. However, inattention and hyperactivity were not prominent in LBW children compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
- Neonatal Outcomes
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with various developmental challenges.
- Understanding preschool behavior in LBW children is crucial for early intervention.
- Population-based studies are needed to clarify behavioral profiles of LBW children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare preschool behavior in children with low birthweight (LBW) to normal-birthweight controls.
- To identify specific behavioral problems prevalent in LBW preschoolers.
- To assess the influence of parental risk factors on behavior in LBW children.
Main Methods:
- Compared 144 five-year-old LBW children with 163 normal-birthweight controls.
- Utilized mother-reported Personality Inventory for Children and Yale Children's Inventory.
- Assessed child behavior during psychometric testing.
Main Results:
- Nineteen percent of LBW children had behavioral problems versus 4% of controls.
- LBW children more frequently displayed social insecurity, anxiety, and management difficulties.
- Inattention and hyperactivity were not significantly more prominent in LBW children.
Conclusions:
- LBW is linked to increased behavioral problems in preschool-aged children.
- Specific issues like social insecurity and anxiety require attention in LBW populations.
- LBW children did not show heightened sensitivity to parental risk factors compared to controls.
Abstract:
Preschool behavior of a population-based sample of 144 5-year-old children with birthweights less than 2000g (LBW) was compared with a random sample of 163 normal-birthweight term controls. The Personality Inventory for Children and the Yale Children's Inventory were completed by the mothers, and child behavior during psychometric testing was assessed. Nineteen per cent of the LBW children compared to 4% of controls had behavioral problems as defined by abnormal scores on more than three behavioral measures. The LBW children were more often socially insecure, anxious and difficult to manage, but inattention and hyperactivity were not prominent. The LBW children were not more sensitive to the negative impact of parental risk factors than normal-birthweight children.