TEMPERAMENT PROFILES AND THEIR ROLE IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSED PRETERM CHILDREN AT 2 YEARS OF AGE

The aim of this study was to determine whether preterms (n = 80, mean birth weight 1,205 g) differ from full-terms (n = 80) in temperament p rofile at 24 months of age and to explore the relationship between tem perament, neurodevelopment, and behavior. Temperament was assessed usi ng the Toddler Temperament Questionnaire, which defines nine temperame nt dimensions: activity, rhythmicity, approach/withdrawal, adaptabilit y, mood, intensity, distractability, persistence, and sensory threshol d. Neurodevelopment was assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Develo pment and by neuropediatric examination. Behavior was assessed using t he Infant Behavior Record, which is a part of the Bayley Scales. When temperament was considered, the preterms were significantly less activ e, more adaptive, more positive in mood, less intense, and lower in th reshold to respond than the controls. The results on IBR showed that p reterms were significantly less goal directed, less attentive, and low er in endurance than the controls. The preterms performed significantl y less well than the controls on the Bayley test. Low Bayley scores co rrelated with temperament scores of high rhythmicity, positive mood, l ow persistence, and high threshold and with IBR scores of poor social orientation, negative emotional tone, poor co-operation, short attenti on span, and poor endurance.