Abstract
Given the significant increase in survival rates of prematurely born children, this study assessed their quality of life at school age and identified potential risk and protective factors. We included 57 children with premature birth aged 5 to 8 years. Participants completed a cognitive test, and their parents assessed their behavior and quality of life. Most children presented an average or high intellectual level. Despite the mildly compromised quality of life, we observed a high prevalence of behavioral problems in older children. Male participants and behavioral problems were identified as risk factors for lower quality of life; this finding indicates the need to implement systematic monitoring services to facilitate adaptation of premature born children when entering in the school.
Keywords
quality of life; premature birth; risk factors; childhood development