The role of social risk in an early preventative care programme for infants born very preterm: a randomized controlled trial

AimTo examine the differential effects of an early intervention programme for infants born preterm on neurodevelopment and parental mental health according to family social risk. MethodOne hundred and twenty infants born earlier than 30weeks' gestation were randomized to early intervention (n=61) or control groups (n=59). Cognitive, language, and motor outcomes were assessed by blinded assessors at 2 years, 4 years, and 8years, and primary caregivers completed questionnaires on their anxiety and depression. Outcomes at each time point were compared between groups using linear regression with an interaction term for social risk (higher/lower). ResultsThere was evidence of interactions between intervention group and social risk for cognition at 2 years and 4years, motor function at 4years, and language at 8years, with a greater intervention effect in children from higher social risk environments. In contrast, the impact of early intervention on parental depressive symptoms was greater for parents of lower social risk than for those of higher social risk. InterpretationEffects of early intervention on outcomes for children born preterm and their caregivers varied according to family social risk. Family social risk should be considered when implementing early intervention programmes for children born preterm and their families.