Trajectories of Social Outcomes in Individuals Born Very Preterm from Childhood to Adolescence

Overview

Journal Acta Paediatr

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2024 Sep 27

PMID 39327828

Authors

Sarah C H Thompson

Karli Treyvaud

Leona Pascoe

Rheanna M Mainzer

Thi-Nhu-Ngoc Nguyen

Terrie E Inder

Lex W Doyle

Peter J Anderson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Aim: To compare trajectories of social functioning in peer problems and prosocial behavior from 5 to 13 years between individuals born very preterm (VPT) and full-term (FT).

Methods: Participants were from the Victorian Infant Brain Study (VIBeS) longitudinal cohort, consisting of 224 individuals born VPT and 77 born FT recruited at birth. Social functioning was measured using the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) peer problems and prosocial behavior subscales at 5, 7, and 13 years' corrected age. Multilevel mixed effects models were fitted.

Results: Peer problems increased with age (adjusted mean difference per year = 0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.07, p = 0.02), with higher peer problems in the VPT compared with the FT group (adjusted mean difference between groups = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.86, p = 0.02). Prosocial behavior increased from early to middle childhood and decreased approaching adolescence, but was similar between VPT and FT groups (adjusted mean difference between groups = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.50, 0.40, p = 0.82).

Conclusion: Children born VPT are at greater risk for peer problems than FT peers and may benefit from receiving greater early social support.

Citing Articles

Trajectories of social outcomes in individuals born very preterm from childhood to adolescence.

Thompson S, Treyvaud K, Pascoe L, Mainzer R, Nguyen T, Inder T Acta Paediatr. 2024; 114(2):355-363.

PMID: 39327828 PMC: 11706753. DOI: 10.1111/apa.17434.

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