Neonatal and temperament variables predict behavior problems of preterm children at toddlerhood

Background: Children born preterm are at high risk for behavior problems at different ages. To better understand these problems, we examine the predictive biopsychosocial variables. Objective: To examine the predictive effects of neonatal clinical status and the temperament of the children and mothers on the behavior problems of children born preterm. Study design: Longitudinal predictive study. Methods: The sample was composed of 40 children born preterm at 18 to 36 months of age and their mothers. The temperament of the children was assessed using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire, which comprises the negative affect, extroversion and effortful control factors and their domains. Behaviors were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist 1 ½-5 (total, internalized, and externalized problems scores and classifications). The temperament of the mothers was assessed using the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. All instruments were applied through interviews with mothers. Descriptive and the hierarchical multiple linear regression statistical analyses were performed. The level of significance adopted in the study was p < 0.05. Results: The prediction analysis revealed that the internalized behavior problems were explained significantly by children’s temperaments with more fear (negative affect) and less by mothers’ temperament with inhibitory control (effortful control factor). The externalized behavior problems were explained significantly by greater time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit, less effortful control of children’s temperament and less mothers` temperament inhibitory control. Conclusion: The behavior problems of children at toddlerhood who were born preterm were explained by high neonatal clinical risk as well as by the temperament dispositional traits of both the children and the mothers.