Effects of Neonatal Pain and Temperament on Attention Problems in Toddlers Born Preterm

Author(s)

Gaspardo, Claudia M. ; Cassiano, Rafaela G. M. ; Gracioli, Sofia M. A. ; Furini, Guilherme C. B. ; Linhares, Maria Beatriz M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY; v. 43, n. 3, p. 10-pg., 2018-04-01.

Abstract

Objective To examine the effects of individual characteristics of neonates and neonatal pain-related stress on attention problems and externalizing behavior problems of toddlers born preterm, analyzing the moderating effects of the dispositional traits of temperament. Methods The sample included 62 toddlers aged 18-36 months and their mothers. The mothers were interviewed using the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 for toddlers' attention and externalizing behavior problems assessment, the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire for toddlers' temperament assessment, and the Adult Temperament Questionnaire for their temperament assessment. The Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale analyzed the number of pain-related stress events during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization recorded in the medical charts. Statistical descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results High neonatal pain-related stress total index, associated with toddler's temperament with less Effortful Control, and mother's temperament with high Surgency explained 23% variability of the attention problems. Otherwise, the externalizing behavior problems were explained by temperament, but not by neonatal pain-related stress. Conclusions The findings support the impact of neonatal pain experiences, and current toddlers' and mothers' temperament characterized by poorer self-regulation on attention problems in toddlers born preterm. Developmental care in the NICU and follow-up programs after discharge are recommended to promote regulated temperament of the mother-child dyads, aiming to prevent attentional problems in toddlers born preterm. (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