Factors in children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome at 10 years of age: Evidence from the maternal lifestyle study. Issue 1 (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Jennifer Shearer; Anderson, Joel G.
• Is Part Of: Journal for specialists in pediatric nursing. Volume 27:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: middle childhood -- neonatal abstinence syndrome -- neurodevelopment -- opioid‐related disorders -- pediatric; Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; Evidence-based nursing -- Periodicals; Evidence-based pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.9200231
• DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12358
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-0136

Abstract

Abstract: 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.