The impact of preterm birth on participation in childhood occupation

Outcome studies of premature babies have focused their assessments predominately on neurodevelopmental impairments without relating these deficits to the impact they have on a child’s everyday life. This study aims to determine whether very ‘preterm birth alone’ impacts on a child’s ability to participate in and carry out childhood activities. Forty-four former premature infants between 6 months and 5 years 6 months, born in Galway University Hospital, Ireland, without physical or intellectual disability, were compared with 51 age-matched term-born infants. Study infants had an average gestation of 29 weeks and birth weight of 1,145 g. Functional skills were assessed using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale-II and the Assessment of Preschool Children’s Participation. Premature infants had significantly lower mean scores in overall adaptive behaviour compared to term infants, regardless of whether chronological (difference = 13.6, 95 % (CI) = [8.2, 19.1]) or corrected (difference = 6.6, 95 % CI = [1.4, 11.8]) age was used. Premature infants had lower mean scores in conceptual, social and practical skills, but no difference was found between the groups in intensity or diversity of participation. Conclusion: Premature infants had significantly lower scores in adaptive behaviour than term infants. This measurable effect of preterm birth on ‘childhood occupations’ merits further investigation.