Factors Related to Prematurity and Developmental Disturbance in The First Year of The Newborn Baby

Aim: Prematurity can cause neurodevelopmental defects and problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression; however, scarce studies have been conducted on the relationship between prematurity and fine and gross motor, communication, and problem-solving disturbances. The study aimed to assess factors related to prematurity and developmental disturbances in the first year after birth. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted in Iran in 2021, 111 full-term and 111 preterm infants were followed and assessed in their first year of life using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed using group statistics, independent sample tests, pair sample tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Preterm infants had problems in gross motor (31%), fine motor (30.1%), problem-solving (14.2%), and personal-social disorders (12.4%), based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. In the logistic regression, the odds ratio increased in the variables of neonatal weight and height, history of infertility and child ranking, which indicates the confounding effect of other variables. There were no statistically significant multivariate associations between the explanatory variables. There was only a statistically significant correlation between gestational age and contracting. Conclusion: Considering the importance of preterm birth and its impact on the developmental state of one-year-old preterm babies according to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, as well as the subsequent problems and costs it causes for families and society, the importance of follow-ups and care before and during pregnancy in mothers with a history of infertility and mothers who have had family marriages is essential. Keywords: risk factors, birth of full-term newborn, infant, premature birth