ASSESSMENT OF NEUROCOGNITIVE OUTCOMES AND DISABILITY OF PATIENTS WITH HISTORY OF HOME VERSUS HOSPITAL BIRTHS WITH AND WITHOUT NICU ADMISSION

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) involves intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits, with onset during the developmental period. There are several causes of ID including genetic and environmental factors. This study is aimed at evaluating the severity of intellectual disability in patients with neurocognitive delays and examining correlations with birth conditions. This retrospective observational study included 100 patients with neurodevelopment Methods: al delays. Intellectual and adaptive functioning were assessed using the Binet Kamat Test of Intelligence (BKT) and the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS). Data on birth conditions and complications were analysed using statistical tests. Results: 35% of the patients had mild ID, 38% had moderate ID, 11% had severe ID, and 16% had profound ID. Home births were associated with a higher incidence of severe to profound ID (χ2=13.915, p=0.031). Hospital births had better outcomes, with 70-80% having mild to moderate ID. Lower birth weights were linked to lower IQ scores (ρ=0.206, p=0.040). Premature infants with low birth weight had longer NICU stays. Delayed cry at birth was associated with a higher incidence of severe to profound ID (χ2=7.99, p=0.046). 56% of the patients had comorbid conditions, with cerebral palsy being the most common. Comorbidities were significantly associated with poorer cognitive outcomes (χ2=15.321, p=0.001). Home births are linked to more severe intellectual disabilities, highlighting th Conclusions: e need for improved antenatal care and institutional deliveries. Premature and low birth weight infants require specialised NICU care to improve neurocognitive outcomes. Delayed cry at birth can be an indicator of neonatal hypoxia which can lead to poor intellectual functioning. Comorbid conditions significantly affect cognitive outcomes.