Evaluating Developmental Progress in Preterm Infants (4-12 Months) Following NICU Stay: An ASQ Analysis

Background: Premature birth is a principal risk factor for developmental delay in infants. Infants born with a history of hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at higher risk of developmental delay and require close monitoring. This study aimed to investigate and compare the developmental status of preterm infants (4-12 months old) with a history of hospitalization in the NICU using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2020 in the NICU of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran. One hundred preterm infants with a history of hospitalization in the NICU were selected using non-random sampling and were assessed at corrected ages of 4, 8, and 12 months. The data collection tool consisted of demographic information questionnaires and ASQ forms. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and Excel. Results: Of the 100 infants studied, 55% were boys and 45% were girls. The mean birth weight was 65.1480 ± 59.501 grams, and the mean discharge weight was 35.1746 ± 94.335 grams. At 4, 8, and 12 months, 16%, 14%, and 13% of the infants, respectively, had developmental delays in at least one domain. The mean length of hospital stay after birth was 83.35 ± 43.26 days, and the mean gestational age was 84.30 ± 97.20 weeks. These means differed significantly between infants with and without developmental delay in at least one domain at 12 months. Conclusion: The presence of developmental delay in preterm infants with a history of NICU hospitalization increases the number of required interventions for these infants. Therefore, regular developmental assessments are essential in the first year of life to detect developmental delay early and provide timely interventions. Moreover, the continuation of growth and development in these infants should be evaluated.