Abstract
Data: In 1990 a birth cohort (N:1314) was assembled out of 7609 newborn infants from 5 German cities. To observe the natural course of a.e. the infants are medically examined 7 times from birth to their 3rd year of life. Additionally, data on infant's health, development, temperament and behaviour (CBCL 2-3), family climate, as well as socioeconomic status are collected by interview or questionnaire.
Results: Within the first 18 months 11% of the infants showed clear signs of a.e. at one point in time, 4,5% several times. In view of prevalence rates about 40%, sleep problems appear to be rather frequent between 6 and 24 months. When controlled for the infant's place of sleep and breast feeding. Parents of children with a.e. reported significantly (p.<.05) more often sleep problems at 6 (68%) and 18 (72%) months but only if they slept together with their child. Children with chronic a.e. (at 6 and 12 months) were given the highest mean score on a difficulty scale (ANOVA: F = 4, 7, df = 2, p.<.02).
Conclusion: Although sleep problems in infancy are common, a.e. seems to enhance their prevalence. As a result of severe forms of a.e. mothers perceive their infant's behaviour to be more difficult.
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Fegert, J., Schulz, J., Bergmann, R. et al. 64 THE INFLUENCE OF CHRONIC ATOPIC ECZEMA ON CHILD BEHAVIOUR AND MOTHERS ATTITUDE TOWARDS HER CHILD IN THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF LIFE. Pediatr Res 36, 13 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00064
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00064