查看文章

We tested the hypothesis that prematurity acts through its association with neuromotor and intellectual functioning to explain behavior problems at school age. Sixty-one extremely preterm (EP) very low birth weight (VLBW) children (< 29 wk and< 1500 g) born in 1987-1990 and 44 normal birth weight children (NBW)(> 37 wk and> 2500 g) were matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES). Mediator variables were evaluated at a hospital at 5 years and 9 months. Behaviors were evaluated at school at 7 years by peers, teachers, and parents. When compared with NBW children, EP/VLBW children had poorer IQ and neuromotor development. At school, EP/VLBW children were evaluated by peers as more sensitive/isolated, and by teachers and parents as more inattentive and hyperactive than NBW. When mediators were introduced, the previously significant relation between prematurity and behavior …