Table I.
Clinical and Socio-Familial Characteristics of Children in the Study.
| Measure | Very Preterm (n=103) | Full Term (n=105) | χ 2/t | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Clinical Characteristics (birth) | ||||
| Mean (SD) gestational age | 27.84 (2.35) | 39.47 (1.18) | -45.20 | <.001 |
| Mean (SD) birth weight | 1,058.14 (312.82) | 3,571.87 (414.05) | -49.33 | <.001 |
| % Male | 50.5 | 54.3 | 0.30 | .58 |
| % Twin | 33.0 | 3.8 | 29.69 | <.001 |
| % Intrauterine growth restriction† | 7.8 | 1.0 | 5.83 | .01 |
| % Proven sepsis≠ | 28.3 | - | - | - |
| % Chronic lung disease | 35.0 | - | - | - |
| % Patent ductus arteriosus | 44.7 | - | - | - |
| % Mod./sev. white matter abnormalities≠ | 18.4 | - | - | - |
| Social Background and Family functioning (birth-4 years) | ||||
| % New Zealand European ethnicity (birth) | 86.4 | 84.8 | 9.38 | .15 |
| Mean (SD) maternal age (birth)‡ | 30.69 (5.30) | 31.03 (4.52) | -0.49 | .62 |
| % Mother left school <16 years (birth) | 40.4 | 18.8 | 11.20 | .001 |
| % Un/semi-skilled family socio-economic status (2 years) | 30.1 | 11.4 | 11.05 | .001 |
| Mean (SD) maternal anxiety (2-4 years) | 5.15 (2.85) | 4.46 (2.75) | 1.77 | .07 |
| Mean (SD) observed parental negative affect and intrusiveness (4 years)* | 104.88 (16.42) | 99.95 (8.06) | 2.68 | .008 |
†
IUGR = birth weight >2 SD below the mean for gestational age.
*
Based on 99 VPT children due to 2 incomplete data and 2 technical difficulties, and 99 FT children due to 4 incomplete data and 2 technical difficulties.
≠
Based on 102 VPT children due to incomplete data.
‡
Based on 104 FT children due to incomplete data.