Temperament profiles and their role in neurodevelopmental assessed preterm children at two years of age

The aim of this study was to determine whether preterms (n = 80, mean birth weight 1,205 g) differ from full-terms (n = 80) in temperament profile at 24 months of age and to explore the relationship between temperament, neurodevelopment, and behavior. Temperament was assessed using the Toddler Temperament Questionnaire, which defines nine temperament dimensions: activity, rhythmicity, approach/withdrawal, adaptability, mood, intensity, distractability, persistence, and sensory threshold. Neurodevelopment was assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and by neuropediatric examination. Behavior was assessed using the Infant Behavior Record, which is a part of the Bayley Scales. When temperament was considered, the preterms were significantly less active, more adaptive, more positive in mood, less intense, and lower in threshold to respond than the controls. The results on IBR showed that preterms were significantly less goal directed, less attentive, and lower in endurance than the controls. The preterms performed significantly less well than the controls on the Bayley test. Low Bayley scores correlated with temperament scores of high rhythmicity, positive mood, low persistence, and high threshold and with IBR scores of poor social orientation, negative emotional tone, poor co-operation, short attention span, and poor endurance.