Related Factors for Behavioral Problems in Toddlers Born Prematurely

Abstract

Purpose: The study was done to investigate behavioral problems in toddlers who were born prematurely and to analyze related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional explorative study was conducted with 72 preterm birth (PTB) children at 24 to 41 months of corrected age who were born at 28 to 37 weeks’ gestation. During home visits, behavior problems were assessed using the Behavior Rating Index for Children (BRIC). Using a BRIC score of ≥30, children with suspected behavior problems were grouped in the non-regular behavior group. Results: Of the children, 38.9% belong to the non-regular behavior group. The mental development index score for the Korean-Bayley Scale of Infant Development-II was higher for the non-regular behavior group compared to the regular behavior group (t=2.26, p=.027). Logistic regression analysis showed that lower maternal attachment (<96, OR=3.4, 95% CI[1.1, 10.4]) and higher parenting stress (≥97, OR=4.8, 95% CI[1.3, 17.3]) were independently related to non-regular behavior. Conclusion: PTB Toddlers are at risk for behavior problems which are associated with low cognitive performance. Maternal-child attachment and maternal parenting stress were strongly related to behavior problems in these children. More attention is needed to understand possible behavior problems in young children with PTB, particularly focusing on maternal-child interaction and maternal mental well-being.

Keywords

• Prematurity
• Child
• Problem behavior