Premature birth affects behaviour

Children born a few weeks early are significantly more likely to suffer behavioural and/or emotional problems before they start school, researchers say.

Those born between 32 and 35 weeks’ gestation (moderately premature) are almost twice as likely to have behavioural and emotional problems as children born at term – 38 to 41 weeks.

The study found moderately premature children had a range of issues.

Boys were more likely to act out their problems through their behaviour than the girls, who tended to internalise them.

Researchers analysed data for 995 children who were moderately premature and 577 born at term.

Parents completed a questionnaire on when the children were aged four using an established behavioural checklist.

This included questions on whether youngsters internalised or externalised their problems, whether they suffered anxiety or depression, were withdrawn, had sleep problems, unexplained medical complaints (somatic), issues in paying attention or aggressive behaviour.