Abstract
Prematurity and perinatal complications are considered risk factors in the development of behavioral problems in children. We have examined behavioral adjustment in a sample of 100 children (52 age 6y and 48 age 9y) with birthweight < 1500 g. and compared to a normal birthweight control group, matched for age, sex and socio-economic atatus (SES). Multivariate analysis of covarience with B.W. and age as independent variables and IQ as a covariate was performed on dependent variables consisting of parental ratings of behavioral problems and teachers' ratings of social and academic competence. At age 6, VLBW children were rated as more considerate (p<.05) and less aggressive (p<.01) than controls. At age 9, the following patterns emerges:
The data sugges it that VLBW children with learning problems need special attention as school difficulties may develop into social withdrawal, anxiety and isolation.
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Zelkowitz, P., Papageorgiou, A. BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT AND NORMAL BIRTHWEIGHT CONTROLS. Pediatr Res 32, 621 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00096
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00096