National Perspective of Health Outcomes of 8- to 11-Year-Old Children Born Prematurely and Their Full-Term Peers.

UNLABELLED: The specific aim of this study was to evaluate the health sequelae of preterm birth on children 8 to 11years of age as compared to same age children born at term; selected variables include special health care needs, chronic conditions, and caregiver perception of health.

DESIGN/METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted to evaluate the health outcomes of children 8 to 11years of age who were born prematurely compared to a sample of children born at term. The 2011/2012 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) is a nationally representative telephone interview survey of parents/caregivers of children 0 to 17years of age. Preterm birth was determined by parent report of birth more than 3weeks early.

RESULTS: Utilizing the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Screener, 35% of children born prematurely, compared to 24% of children born at term were identified as having a special health care need. The 5 most prevalent conditions were the same in both groups of 8 to 11year old children and in the larger total sample of children 2 to 17years of age. However 82% of children born prematurely were described by parents as having excellent or very good health.

CONCLUSIONS: Premature birth places children at increased risk for conditions that impede the crucial activities of childhood (education, psychosocial development and play). These conditions may require both medications and increased health care services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Understanding the relationship between preterm birth and ongoing health risks has the potential to inform the health care providers' ability to provide care that maximizes the potential of children born prematurely. Health care providers need to be cognizant of this risk, utilizing early screening and encouraging intervention and family supports.