Abstract
The primary goal of a neonatal Follow-up Program is the early identification of children with neurodevelopmental problems. A high attrition rate for Follow-up is a common problem and may reduce the effectiveness of the program. In this study, we attempted to identify the variables characteristic of the noncompliant family. 168 infants(birth weight 501-1500 grams)born between 1/1/75 and 4/1/77 and cared for in our Intensive Care Nursery were enrolled for Follow-up. 25 infants (Group I) made none of the 4 scheduled visits during the first year of life and 143 (Group II) made 1-4 visits. Group I included 1 institutionalized infant, 7 deaths during the first year, and 3 infants lost to Follow-up. The remaining 14 infants still live in the region but failed to visit the Follow-up Clinic. Significant variables distinguishing Group I from Group II were adolescent pregnancy (maternal age ≤18 years p<.05), unwed mothers (p<.005), and low socioeconomic score (SES) (p<.05). Analysis of multiple neonatal variables indicated no differences between the 2 groups. Neurological and psychological testing at 2-4 years of age showed that the abnormal infants in Group II had similar perinatal variables (adolescent and unwed mothers, low SES) that characterized the Group I (noncompliant) families. Thus, we conclude that the noncompliant population is at risk for neurodevelopmental morbidity and incentive programs should be instituted to lower the attrition rate for their follow up.
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Vohr, B., Daniel, P. & Brown, W. 697 ANALYSIS OF PERINATAL VARIABLES AFFECTING COMPLIANCE TO A FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 558 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00720
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00720