Abstract
Introduction:
Preterm birth is one of several risk factors that can compromise child growth and development.
Objective:
Evaluate the functionality of 5 to 7-year-old schoolchildren born prematurely and compare them to children born full-term.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study with 110 children divided into 2 groups (55 in the preterm group - PTG; 55 in the full-term group - FTG). Sociodemographic data were collected of the families and children and the families were economically classified according to the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria - CCEB (Brazilian Association of Market Research Companies - ABEP) Functionality was assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).
Results:
With respect to the descriptive variables, significant differences were observed for gestational age (p < 0.001), birth weight (p < 0.001), complications during the perinatal period (p < 0.001), current diseases (p = 0.010) and schooling level of the child (p = 0.023). In regard to functionality, on the Caregiver Assistance scale, a significant difference was recorded for mobility (p = 0.009).
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrate that 5 to 7-year-old schoolchildren born prematurely showed no differences in functional skills when compared to full-term children. However, the caregivers of preterm children provide greater mobility assistance compared to those caring for full-term children.
Keywords:
Premature; Child Health; Children; Child Development; Functional Performance