Improving Neurobehavioural Development In Preterm Infants: Identifying Long-term Benefits Of Early Stress Reduction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,898.00
Summary
Preterm birth is associated with lower IQ at school-age, more attention-deficit hyperactivity and elevated risk for anxiety and depression. The long-term outcome of these children depends on maximising normal brain and neurological development. Our simple, inexpensive, stress-reduction program is delivered in the hospital nursery. If the short-term benefits we have identified translate into better long-term developmental outcomes it will be an invaluable advance in the care of preterm infants.