Low Birth Weight Status Combined with Socioeconomic Factors Influences Future Diagnosis of Learning Disability
Donnelly, Sinead Logendran, Nisagini Peco, Anel Sagamang, Maris Sparks, Elizabeth
Donnelly, Sinead
Logendran, Nisagini
Peco, Anel
Sagamang, Maris
Sparks, Elizabeth
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Abstract
Objective: To determine if there is correlation between low birth weight and the development of learning disabilities in later stages of life. Methods: Data from the National Child Health Survey from 2018-2020 was used with data from 59,963 U.S. households looking at children aged six to eleven years. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between low birth weight (<2500g) and learning disabilities and developmental delays when controlling for ethnicity, family structure, and household income. Results: The results indicate 7.2% of those surveyed reported a child with a diagnosed learning disability. In response to the low birth weight category, 8.2% of the children involved were in the category below 2500g. Conclusion: Pediatric health practitioners should be aware of this relationship and use low birth weight status as a screening criterion for potential to develop learning disabilities. Policy Implications: More screening programs should be implemented to ensure that children with low birth weight status are assessed for signs of learning disabilities.
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Date
2023-01-01