title: Predictors of receiving therapy among very low birth weight 2-year olds eligible for Part C early intervention in Wisconsin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Part C) authorizes states to establish systems to provide early intervention services (e.g., therapy) for children at risk, with the incentive of federal financial support. This study examines family and neighborhood characteristics associated with currently utilizing physical, occupational, or speech therapy among very low birthweight (VLBW) 2-year-old children who meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for early intervention services (EI) due to developmental delay.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional analysis used data from the Newborn Lung Project, a regional cohort study of VLBW infants hospitalized in Wisconsin's newborn intensive care units during 2003-2004. We included the 176 children who were age two at follow-up, and met Wisconsin state eligibility requirements for EI based on developmental delay. Exact logistic regression was used to describe child and neighborhood socio-demographic correlates of parent-reported receipt of therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among VLBW children with developmental delay, currently utilizing therapy was higher among children with Medicaid (aOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 1.3, 28.3) and concomitant developmental disability (aOR = 5.2, 95% CI: 2.1, 13.3) and lower for those living in a socially more disadvantaged neighborhood (aOR=0.48, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.98, per tertile).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among a sample of VLBW 2-year olds with developmental delays who are EI-eligible in WI, 4 out of 5 were currently receiving therapy, per parent report. Participation in Medicaid positively influences therapy utilization. Children with developmental difficulties who live in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods are at highest risk for not receiving therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. beth.mcmanus@ucdenver.edu
authors.forename: Beth Marie
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robert
authors.forename: Aggie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Albanese
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sadek-Badawi
authors.forename: Mari
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Palta
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000628:therapy*; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014922:Wisconsin