The Impact of Extremely Low Birth Weight on the Families of School-Aged Children

Abstract

Extremely low birth weight was associated with a negative impact on families. Socioeconomic parental risk, but most especially child-related factors such as neurodevelopmental and the functional impact of chronic conditions, predicted the negative family impact within the extremely low birth weight group. Findings underscore the need to develop and test interventions to provide support for families of extremely low birth weight infants to ameliorate the burden of extremely low birth weight and associated risk factors on families.

Prematurity: An Overview and Public Health Implications

“…Likewise, the increased level of many different types of morbidity may affect family function and strain resources. Families with ELBW children do describe high financial impact and caretaker/family burden compared with families of term-born controls associated with increased child neurodevelopmental risk and the presence of chronic conditions (17). The negative impact of preterm birth appears to persist over time in the school years, but only for families with higher resources (57).…”

Biopsychosocial risks of parental care for high-risk neonates: implications for evidence-based parental counseling

“…Among the themes that emerged were the strain that developed between spouses, the disruption in family life and the sense of isolation from society. [25][26][27]29 Not all of the results were negative. Many couples felt their relationship was strengthened by the mutual struggle, whereas the effect on the divorce rate is unclear.…”

“…[25][26][27] Rates of parental distress, family stress and adverse family outcomes were greater among parents of infants born at <750 g than the comparison group, but no difference was found in psychiatric symptoms during the preteen and teen years. 26 Lower socioeconomic status and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes had the greatest impact.…”

“…26 Lower socioeconomic status and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes had the greatest impact. [25][26][27] A study by Montagnino and Mauricio 28 of primary caregivers of children with both gastrostomy and tracheostomy found that the caregivers (all mothers) reported high rates of anxiety and personal strain. Similarly, the Ontario group found that caregivers reported higher rates of emotional problems when compared with the general population.…”

Promoção do desenvolvimento funcional de crianças nascidas prematuras: organização das bases teóricas e operacionais e construção de um guia de apoio à família

“…Por isto, estratégias de promoção do desenvolvimento infantil são importantes ferramentas para minimizar os primeiros e potencializar os demais, favorecendo o cuidado adequado, especialmente nas crianças que apresentam condições de risco e vulnerabilidade. Dentre os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento infantil, destaca-se a prematuridade, idade gestacional (IG) inferior a 37 semanas, apontada como um dos preditores para alterações ou atrasos no desenvolvimento (Drotar et al 2006, Khan et al, 2006Manacero e Nunes, 2008;Resegue, Puccini e Silva, 2008;Roberts et al, 2008;Rugolo, 2005).…”