Visual search and attention in five-year-old very preterm/very low birth weight children.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to establish visual search performance and attention functioning in very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) children using novel and well established measures, and to study their contribution to intellectual functioning.


METHODS
Visual search and attention network efficiency were assessed in 108 VP/VLBW children and 72 age matched term controls at 5.5 years corrected age. Visual search performance was investigated with a newly developed paradigm manipulating stimulus density and stimulus organization. Attention functioning was studied using the Attention Network Test (ANT). Intellectual functioning was measured by a short form of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Data were analyzed using ANOVAs and multiple regression analyses.


RESULTS
Visual search was less efficient in VP/VLBW children as compared to term controls, as indicated by increased search time (0.31 SD, p = .04) and increased error rate (0.36 SD, p = .02). In addition, VP/VLBW children demonstrated poorer executive attention as indicated by lower accuracy for the executive attention measure of the ANT (0.61 SD, p < .001). No differences were found for the alerting (0.06 SD, p = .68) and orienting attention measures (0.13 SD, p = .42). Visual search time and error rate, and executive attention, collectively, accounted for 14% explained variance in full scale IQ (R(2) = .14, p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
VP/VLBW children were characterized by less efficient visual search ability and reduced executive attention. Visual attention dysfunctions contributed to intelligence, suggesting the opportunity to improve intellectual functioning by using interventions programs that may enhance attention capacities.
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Royal Dutch Visio, Centre of Expertise for Blind and Partially Sighted People, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: c.j.a.geldof@vu.nl.
Christiaan J A
CJ
Geldof
Jorrit F
JF
de Kieviet
Marjolein
M
Dik
Joke H
JH
Kok
Aleid G
AG
van Wassenaer-Leemhuis
Jaap
J
Oosterlaan
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001070:Appetitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D062071:Infant, Extremely Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D009426:Netherlands; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014888:Wechsler Scales
ANT; Attention Network Test; BW; Cognition; GA; IQ; Preterm birth; VLBW; VP; Very low birth weight; Visual attention; Visual search; WPPSI-III; Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence 3rd edition; birth weight; gestational age; intelligence quotient; very low birth weight; very preterm