Early Intervention Improves Behavioral Outcomes for Preterm Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an early intervention program on behavioral outcomes at corrected age of 5 years for children with birth weights (BWs) of <2000 g. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of a modified version of the Mother-Infant Transaction Program was performed. Outcomes were measured by the Child Behavior Check List report (parents) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 5 years (parents and preschool teachers). Results: A total of 146 infants were assigned randomly (intervention group: 72 infants; reference group: 74 infants). A term group was recruited (75 infants). The mean BWs were 1396 ± 429 g for the intervention group, 1381 ± 436 g for the control group, and 3619 ± 490 g for the term reference group. Parents in the intervention group reported significantly fewer behavioral problems measured by both instruments at 5 years. There were no differences in behavior problems reported by preschool teachers. Significantly more children in the preterm control group scored within the clinical area of both instruments. Conclusions: This modified version of the Mother-Infant Transaction Program led to fewer behavioral problems reported by parents at corrected age of 5 years for children with BWs of <2000 g. * Abbreviations: BW — : birth weight CBCL — : Child Behavior Check List CI — : confidence interval EI — : early intervention ES — : effect size GA — : gestational age LBW — : low birth weight MITP — : Mother-Infant Transaction Program NIDCAP — : Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program OR — : odds ratio PC — : preterm control PI — : preterm intervention SDQ — : Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire TR — : term reference