Factors in children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome at 10 years of age: Evidence from the maternal lifestyle study

Purpose Few studies have addressed the impact of prior prenatal substance exposure and current household environment on neurodevelopmental health in children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This study aimed to describe the prenatal exposures, household environment, and neurodevelopmental health at 10 years of age among children with a history of NAS. Design and Methods This study was a retrospective, descriptive design using data from the Maternal Lifestyle Study. Descriptive analyses were conducted. A total of 234 children with a history of NAS were included in this study. Variables selected based on the socio-ecological model included prenatal exposures, household environment, and neurodevelopmental health outcomes. Results In this sample, most children were male (63%) with prenatal polysubstance exposure (80%). The majority lived in a home where substance use occurred (68%). Children experienced abnormal cognitive development (26%), language disorders (24%), learning disorders (23%), and abnormal behavioral development (16%). Implications This study extends the description of children with a history of NAS beyond 5 years of age. Pediatric nurses can ensure that children with a history of NAS receive neurodevelopmental screening up to and beyond 10 years of age.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prenatal exposures, household environment, and neurodevelopmental health at 10 years of age among children with a history of NAS. The majority of children in the sample were male, with most exposed to multiple substances prenatally and living in households where substance use occurred. Some children experienced abnormal cognitive development, language disorders, learning disorders, and abnormal behavioral development.