Longitudinal changes in family outcomes of very low birth weight.
OBJECTIVE
Although children with very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) are at high risk for developmental impairments, we know little about the long-term effects of VLBW on families. This study examined long-term family outcomes and their stability over time.


METHODS
Participants were the families of 64 children with <750 g birth weight, 54 with 750-1499 g birth weight, and 66 term-born controls. Family burden and parental distress were assessed annually as part of longitudinal follow-up of the children from mean ages 11-14 years.


RESULTS
Family burden and parental distress were higher in the <750 g group than in the term-born group, but differences varied with the child's age and family environment.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings document long-term effects of VLBW on families that are moderated by the degree of low birth weight, child's age, and family environment.
Moore
Melisa
M
Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
Gerry Taylor
H
H
Klein
Nancy
N
Minich
Nori
N
Hack
Maureen
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors