Nelle Mathias
Switzerland
Research Article
Influence of Gestational Age and Parental Education on Executive Functions of Children Born Very Preterm
Author(s): Ritter Barbara Catherine, Nelle Mathias, Steinlin Maja and Everts RegulaRitter Barbara Catherine, Nelle Mathias, Steinlin Maja and Everts Regula
Background: Children born very preterm (<32 weeks’ gestational age; VPT) and/or very low birth weight (<1500 g; VLBW) are at high risk of deficits in executive functions, namely inhibition, working memory, and shifting. Both, gestational age and socioeconomic factors, such as parental education, are known to influence executive functions, with children born at lower gestational age and with lower educated parents displaying worse executive skills. This study aimed to investigate if maternal and paternal education moderated the relationship between gestational age and executive functions in VPT/VLBW children aged 8-12 years. It was hypothesised that the disadvantageous effect of low gestational age could be buffered more easily in families with higher educational background. Methods: Sixty VPT/VLBW children born in the cohort of 1998-2003 were recruited. All children comple.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2167-0897.1000120