Prematurity and behavioral problems in two samples of toddlers from different cultures

Abstract

Children born preterm presented more risk for behavioral problems than children born full-term. The developmental problems could be related to the stressor environment which these children are exposed at very early development. Recent studies showed that this early adverse experience in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can affect the gene expression in infants born preterm through mechanism of epigenetic. The present project covers two studies. The study one aims to conduct a cross cultural comparison of behavior problems between toddlers born very preterm from Brazilian and Italian samples. The sample will comprise 100 toddlers from Brazil and 100 toddlers from Italy. For behavior assessment will be apply Child Behavior Checklist. The between-group comparisons will be performed using independent t-test and Chi-square test. The study two aims a participation in the research "Long-term effects of early adverse experiences in very preterm infants: Behavioral and biological markers of early stress exposure and socio-emotional development in at-risk infants", coordinated by Dr. Rosario Montirosso and Dr. Livio Provenzi. The sample will comprise 50 children born very preterm and 50 children born full-term at 4-5 years. Temperament and stress regulation will be assessed by Lab-TAB experimental procedure. This participation will promote advance in the methodology of research in biological markers of early stress exposure and its association with temperament and socioemotional development. (AU)