Behaviour problems in preterms

Children who are born extremely preterm (i.e. before 25 weeks of pregnancy) are more likely to have emotional and behaviour problems than their peers who are born at full term. Researchers from United Kingdom studied 200 extremely preterm children and 148 fullterm children to test whether extremely preterm children had more pervasive behaviour problems than their peers born fullterm. Emotional and behavioural testing was conducted on both the groups at around 6 years of age by using the consensus report provided by their parents and teachers. It was found that approximately 19 percent of extremely preterm born children had behavioural problems compared with only 3 percent of full-term children with such problems. Hyperactivity was seen in 31 percent of extremely preterm children compared with 9 percent of fullterm children and conduct problems were found in 12 and 5 percent of extremely preterm and full term children respectively. These were mostly accounted for by the reduction in general thinking ability in the extremely pre-term children. However, problems with attention, peers and emotional control could not be explained by intellectual deficits. Attention problems were seen in 33 percent of extremely pre-term children versus 7 percent of full-term children; peer relationship problems in 25 and 5 percent, respectively; and emotional problems in 13 and 4 percent, respectively. The researchers also found that 23 percent of extremely preterm children with behaviour problems had a considerable impact on home and school life compared with only 7 percent of full-term children. The researchers concluded that the number of extremely preterm children with behaviour problems was substantially higher than in very preterm (less than 32 weeks) or pre-term children (less than 37 weeks) and extremely preterm boys were more often affected across the range of problems than extremely preterm girls. Emotional problems were more frequent in extremely preterm children at 6 years of age and were not explained by other disabilities or a lower intelligence quotient.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Was this Article Helpful Yes or No

Web Stories

What Is Motion Sickness. Tips To Prevent It

Summer Foods For Strong Immunity

7 Blood Thinning Foods For Healthy Heart

How To Take Care Of Mental Health?

Benefits Of Aerial Yoga

Tips To Avoid Conjunctivitis

8 Yoga Poses For Kids To Help Increase Height

Must Try Tips To Build Stamina

Lemon: A Multipurpose Starter Pack

Yoga Asanas To Release Negative Thoughts