Correlates of mother-infant interaction in premature infants from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship among infant temperament, maternal background, social support, confidence, and mother-infant interaction in a low socieconomic status population.


METHODS
Interaction between 49 premature infants and their mothers was assessed longitudinally at ages 4 months and 8 months using feeding and play scales. Social support, maternal confidence, and infant temperament were also assessed by questionnaires given to the mother.


RESULTS
At 4 months, mother-child interaction was significantly correlated with length of hospitalization, birthweight, temperament, and social support. At 8 months, only temperament and social support were correlated with mother-infant interaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts should be focused on early assessment of mother's perceptions of their infants. Support systems should be evaluated prior to discharge.
Zahr
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D001724:Birth Weight; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000523:psychology*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011203:Poverty; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013694:Temperament