Measuring the impact of deprivation on infants born preterm for learning difficulties and behaviour: A cohort study

Isaac, Thomas C W; Odd, Dawn; Edwards, Martin; Chakraborty, Mallinath; Kotecha, Sarah J; Kotecha, Sailesh; Odd, David

Abstract

Purpose: To identify if children born preterm to families with higher levels of social deprivation are disproportionately more likely to have learning difficulties than those with lower levels of social deprivation. Methods: Data from the RANOPS (Respiratory And Neurological Outcomes in children born Preterm Study) was used to assess the prevalence of learning difficulties. The effects of preterm birth (gestation of less than 37 weeks) and deprivation (measured using the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD)) were reviewed. Multi-level logistic regression models were used to examine if gestational age and deprivation impacts interacted after adjustment for possible confounders. Primary outcome measure was parent-reported learning difficulties. Secondary outcome measures were parent-reported behavioural problems and the need for a statement of special educational need. Results: We investigated the developmental outcomes of 6,691 infants with a median age of 5 years at time of survey (IQR 5). Deprivation decile (OR 1.08 (1.03-1.12)) and preterm birth (OR 2.67 (2.02-3.53)) were both associated with increased risk of learning difficulties. There was little evidence for any interaction between preterm birth and deprivation (p=0.298) and the risk of learning difficulties. Conclusions: Deprivation and preterm birth both have significant associations with learning difficulties. While deprivation does not appear to have potentiated the impact of preterm birth, preterm infants in the most deprived areas have the highest risk of learning difficulties with almost 1 in 3 extremely premature born infants with a learning difficulty in the most deprived areas.

• Working Paper Type: Working Paper
• Deposit Date: Dec 15, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 15, 2022
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10253983
• Publisher URL: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1477833/v1