title: Predictors of the home environment of high-risk infants.
abstract: The quality of the home environment is an important predictor of the cognitive and social development of high-risk infants. Community health nurses (CHNs) have played a central role in the assessment and care of families with high-risk infants. We examined predictors of the home environment in a sample of 106 infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit. The most consistent predictor of an optimal home environment was an internal parental locus of control. Socioeconomic status affected dimensions of parenting related to cognitive stimulation but not emotional responsivity. Young mothers and those with other children are less responsive to their infants. Males are treated in a more responsive manner than females. These findings suggest that CHNs need to adopt an empowerment model of intervention and focus on the particular needs of young mothers and those with other children.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Engelke
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Engelke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors