Does An Early Intervention Influence Behavioral Development Until Age 9 in Children Born Prematurely?

• Published in: Child development Vol. 86; no. 4; pp. 1063 - 1079
• Main Authors: Landsem, Inger Pauline, Handegård, Bjørn Helge, Ulvund, Stein Erik, Tunby, Jorunn, Kaaresen, Per Ivar, Rønning, John A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.2015; Wiley for the Society for Research in Child Development
• Subjects: Behavior; Child development; Child psychology; Children; Early intervention; EMPIRICAL ARTICLES; Infants; Parents; Premature birth; Teachers
• ISSN: 0009-3920; 1467-8624
• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12368

This study examined whether the Mother–Infant Transaction Program prevents behavioral problems among preterm children (birth weight < 2000 g) until age 9. The program was administered to 72 preterms, while 74 preterms and 75 full-terms formed control groups (N = 221). Behavior was reported by parents (Child Behavior Checklist) and teachers (Teachers Report Form) and by all on selected Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) questions. Long-term behavioral development appeared to be qualitatively unaffected by the intervention. At ages 7 and 9, fewer attention problems and better adaptation to school were reported from parents and teachers of the intervention group compared to preterm controls. At age 9, teachers reported fewer difficulties in the intervention group and better academic performance. In these areas they were reported as being at the statistically same level as term controls.