Development and predictors of childhood mental health problems in former extremely preterm infants

Abstract

Objective: To investigate development and predictors of mental health problems from five to eleven years of age in children born extremely preterm (EP). Method: In a national Norwegian cohort of children born before a gestational age of 28 weeks or with a birthweight less than 1000 grams mental health was assessed by parents at five and eleven years of age using The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. A Total Difficulties Score ≥90 th percentile (TDS90) for a reference group was used as a measure of a mental health problem. Of 338 eligible EP children, 162 (48%) attended at both ages. Results: The rate of TDS90 was 52 (32 %) at five and 37 (23%) at eleven years of age (p=0.025). Of the 52 children with TDS90 at five years, 25 had TDS90 at eleven years of age, and of 37 children with TDS90 at eleven, 25 had TDS90 at five years of age. Mental health problems and an IQ of 70-84 at five years were independent predictors of TDS90 at eleven years of age. Conclusion: The rate of mental health problems decreased from five to eleven years, but individual stability was moderate. Mental health problems and intellectual function in the lower normal range at preschool age were independent predictors of later mental health problems.

High‐risk neighbourhoods and behaviour outcomes in children born extremely preterm

“…A “preterm behavioral phenotype” characterised by inattention/hyperactivity, social, and emotional difficulties and, in general, a greater risk for internalising rather than externalising problems has been described by several authors 10,14–16 . Lower cognitive function is also a known associated risk factor 17,18 . Other perinatal factors such as prolonged need of artificial ventilation, length of stay in a neonatal intensive care unit, and brain abnormalities have been documented as risk factors 19–21 .…”

“…10,[14][15][16] Lower cognitive function is also a known associated risk factor. 17,18 Other perinatal factors such as prolonged need of artificial ventilation, length of stay in a neonatal intensive care unit, and brain abnormalities have been documented as risk factors. [19][20][21] Low socioeconomic status (SES), and socioeconomic factors such as limited parental education, younger maternal age, public insurance, early childhood deprivation, and poor parental well-being are also associated with an increased risk of behaviour problems.…”