Impact of neonatal risk and temperament on behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm

Author(s)

Monte Cassiano, Rafaela Guilherme ; Gaspardo, Claudia Maria ; Bucker Furini, Guilherme Cordaro ; Martinez, Francisco Eulogio ; Martins Linhares, Maria. Beatriz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EARLY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; v. 103, p. 175-181, DEC 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Children born preterm are at risk for later developmental disorders. The present study examined the predictive effects of neonatal, sociodemographic, and temperament characteristics on behavioral outcomes at toddlerhood, in children born preterm. The sample included 100 toddlers born preterm and with very-low-birth-weight, and their mothers. Neonatal characteristics were evaluated using medical records. The mothers were interviewed using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire for temperament assessment, and the Child Behavior Checklist for behavioral assessment. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Predictors of 39% of the variability of the total behavioral problems in toddlers born prematurely were: temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control, lower family socioeconomic status, and younger mothers at childbirth. Temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control and lower family socioeconomic status were predictors of 23% of the variability of internalizing behavioral problems. Additionally, 37% of the variability of externalizing behavioral problems was explained by temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control, and younger mothers at childbirth. The neonatal characteristics and stressful events in the neonatal intensive care unit did not predict behavioral problems at toddlerhood. However, temperament was a consistent predictor of behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. Preventive follow-up programs could assess dispositional traits of temperament to provide early identification of preterm infants at high-risk for behavioral problems. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/12509-5 - Impact of neonatal risk and temperament in behavior of children born preterm in the pre-school age
• Grantee: Rafaela Guilherme Monte Cassiano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/24117-0 - Pain biobehavioral reactivity in preterm neonates and exposure to environmental stress of the NICU
• Grantee: Guilherme Cordaro Bucker Furini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation