Do Socioeconomic Factors Impact Neuropsychomotor Development But Not Quality of Life in Preterm Infants?

AIMS: To evaluate quality of life (QoL) and neuropsychomotor development (NPMD) in preterm infants, compare different socioeconomic contexts, and identify associated risk factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study included 78 preterm infants (<37 wk of gestation) with corrected ages between 3 and 5.5 months and birth weights <2,500 g, divided into a public healthcare group (GSUS) and a private healthcare group (GPAR). QoL and NPMD were assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Risk factors were investigated using the AHEMD-IS, the Brazilian Economic Classification Questionnaire (ABEP), and an anamnesis form.

RESULTS

Significant differences between groups were observed only in NPMD domains (p < 0.05), including cognitive (d = -0.540), language (d = -1.125), and motor scores (d = -0.559). Maternal and paternal age, parental education, socioeconomic status, home affordances, birth weight, and birth length were significantly associated with NPMD (p < 0.05), but not with QoL.

CONCLUSION

Although biological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors were associated with NPMD, they did not influence QoL during the first six months of life. QoL remained similar between groups.