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  • Clinical Research Article
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Developmental trajectories of late preterm infants and predictors of academic performance

Pediatric Research volume 95, pages 684–691 (2024)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The trajectories of late preterm development from infancy to kindergarten reading and math, and predictors of academic resilience and risk are unknown.

Methods

Sample included 1200 late preterm infants (LPIs) from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort. Objective measurements of development at 9 and 24 months (Bayley-SFR) and reading and math academic achievement at preschool and kindergarten were standardized; trajectories of late preterm development from 9 months to kindergarten reading and math were identified using latent class growth analysis. Multinomial logistic regression [aOR, 95% CI] identified predictors of academic resilience and risk.

Results

Four trajectory groups were observed for reading and three for math. More optimal trajectories (in reading and math) and academic resilience were associated with experiencing sensitive parenting and preschool attendance. Suboptimal (at-risk) trajectories (in reading or math) and an increased odds of academic risk were associated with <high school education, twin/multiple gestation, prenatal smoking and male sex.

Conclusions

LPI trajectories varied from infancy to kindergarten. More sensitive parenting and preschool attendance predicted academic resilience, and should be encouraged. Select risk factors (prenatal smoking, twin/multiple gestation, male sex, <high school education) predicted academic risk, and can help identify LPIs who might benefit from closer monitoring prior to school entry.

Impact

  • Late preterm infants (LPIs) have developmental risks compared to full terms. LPI trajectories of early reading and math varied from infancy to kindergarten. We identified predictors of academic resilience and risk, which can help inform anticipatory guidance provided to LPIs prior to kindergarten.

  • Promotive factors (sensitive parenting and preschool enrollment) predicted academic resilience. Select maternal and neonatal characteristics (<high school education, male sex, prenatal smoking, and multiple gestation) predicted academic risk at kindergarten.

  • LPIs account for the majority of preterm infants. Encouraging preschool enrollment and fostering sensitive parenting may promote early academic achievement in LPIs, which has population-level impacts.

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Fig. 1: Developmental trajectories of late preterm infants from infancy to kindergarten academic achievement.
Fig. 2: Adjusted odds (aOR) and Multivarite Predictors of Combined Reading and Math Academic Achievement at Kindergarten.

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Data availability

Data for this study were obtained from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, restricted-use dataset. Data can be accessed after entering into a data use agreement with the Institute of Educational Statistics, National Center for Educational Statistics.

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Funding

University of Michigan, NICHD (K08HD078506).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Prachi E. Shah

  2. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Julie Poehlmann

  3. Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Heidi M. Weeks

  4. Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy

    Maria Spinelli

  5. Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Blair Richards

  6. Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA

    Joohee Suh

  7. Department of Biostatistics, School of Public of Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Niko Kaciroti

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Contributions

P.E.S. conceptualized and designed the study, and drafted and revised the manuscript. N.K. designed the analysis plan and helped interpret the analyses. B.R. began the statistical analyses and H.M.W. completed the analyses. J.S. contributed to the writing of the manuscript. M.S. and J.P. provided substantive input regarding the interpretation of the results, and implications for practice, and assisted with the writing and revision of manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Prachi E. Shah.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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None required. This study utilized a publicly available dataset with de-identified participants who could not be linked to the data.

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Shah, P.E., Poehlmann, J., Weeks, H.M. et al. Developmental trajectories of late preterm infants and predictors of academic performance. Pediatr Res 95, 684–691 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02756-2

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