ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: Preterm birth is a significant public health issue, with children born prematurely experiencing educational and health difficulties throughout childhood. The aim of the descriptive secondary data analysis was to compare health implications and educational experiences in children born prematurely compared with children born at term.
Methods: The 2011/2012 National Survey of Children's Health data set was explored using separate chi-square tests of homogeneity to investigate differences in the occurrence of chronic health conditions and educationally relevant outcomes: individualized family services plan/individualized education plan (IFSP/IEP), and grade repetition between children born prematurely compared with those born at term.
Conclusions: The six most frequently occurring chronic health conditions that disproportionally affected children born prematurely include the following: attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactive disorder (odds ratio [OR], 1.59), anxiety (OR, 1.63), asthma (OR, 1.7), learning disability (OR, 2.07), speech problems (OR, 2.27), and developmental delay (OR, 3.17). Preterm birth negatively affects the educational experience of CBP as measured by increased report of IFSP/IEP and repeated grades across all age categories.
Implications for practice: All health care providers have an important role in preventing preterm birth and in supporting the children and families affected by preterm birth. Appreciation of the incidence and prevalence of the health conditions and educational difficulties associated with preterm birth is essential for facilitating access to appropriate resources. Beyond patient interactions, these modifiable yet additive factors should inform health policy and planning.