Purpose
This study was conducted to evaluate cognitive ability in preschoolers born prematurely and to investigate related factors.
Methods
A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 64 children at 5-6 years of corrected age (CA) (second follow-up) among 76 children who had been assessed at 2.0~3.5 years of CA (first follow-up) from a sample of 343 preterm infants born from 2008 to 2010. To evaluate each child’s cognitive ability, during a home visit, we used the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II (KABC-II) at the second follow-up. To explore factors related to cognitive ability, we measured children’s hemoglobin level at the second follow-up and used the data collected in our previous study, including the Bayley Scale of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) at the first follow-up.
Results
The mean total KABC-II quotient was 117.0±14.4. The 5-minute Apgar score (β=.29, p=.006), hemoglobin level (β=.22, p=.032), and the mental development index quotient of the BSID-II (β=.51, p<.001) were statistically significant predictors of the KABC-II quotient in multiple linear regression analysis.
Conclusion
The cognitive function of young children born prematurely was influenced by early neurodevelopment and factors reflecting their health status, such as anemia and a low 5-minute Apgar score.

Citations

• Effect of a Follow-up Program Involving an Early Intervention and Self-help Group on Parenting Stress, Depression, and Parenting Efficacy for Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eun Sun Ji, Jinhee Choi, Kaka Shim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(4): 256.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine how child development knowledge, child rearing knowledge, and use of healthcare services after discharge affect maternal confidence among mothers of premature infants.
Methods
Participants in this study were 55 mothers who were involved in internet communities for mothers with premature infants and 30 mothers who visited hospitals for follow up care after having their babies discharged from Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in South Korea.
Results
Presence of operation history, child development and rearing knowledge, and use of healthcare service explained 12.2% of maternal confidence. Presence of operation history (β=.32, p<.05) and child development knowledge (β=.52, p<.05) were significant predictors for maternal confidence.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that mothers with premature infants need further education especially on motor development, developmental knowledge, and knowledge related to operations for mothers whose child had surgery in the NICU. Also information about services provided from community health services for premature infants need to be advertised and distributed.

Citations

• Development of a mobile application focusing on developmental support care for Korean infants born prematurely: a methodological study
  Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(2): 112.     CrossRef
• Addressing the Needs of Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis
  Ah Rim Kim
  Asian Nursing Research.2020; 14(5): 327.     CrossRef
• Ecological predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children from low-income families in South Korea
  Jiyoung Park, Suyon Baek
  Children and Youth Services Review.2017; 81: 238.     CrossRef