Faculty Collaboration Database

Predictors of behavioural and emotional outcomes in toddlers with congenital heart disease. Cardiol Young 2022 Aug;32(8):1216-1221

Date

09/23/2021

Pubmed ID

34548125

DOI

10.1017/S1047951121003942

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85115915680 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   1 Citation

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for psychological challenges, including internalising (e.g., depression, anxiety) and externalising (e.g., aggression, inattention) problems. The present study aimed to investigate the development of psychological concerns in early childhood by identifying predictors of behavioural and emotional problems in toddlers with CHD.

METHODS: Children with CHD who were seen for neurodevelopmental (ND) evaluation at 12 ± 3 months of age, who completed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID-III) and whose parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a standardised measure of emotional/behavioural problems at age 24-36 months, were included in the study (n = 144). CBCL scores were compared to test norms and classified as normal or abnormal. A classification tree was used to assess the association between CBCL scores and demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS: Multi-variable tree analyses revealed lower BSID-III language composite scores at age 9-15 months predicted clinical CBCL internalising (p < 0.001), externalising (p = 0.004) and total scores (p < 0.001) at age 24-36 months. Lower maternal education levels also predicted clinical CBCL internalising (p < 0.0001), externalising (p < 0.001) and total scores (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Lower language abilities and lower maternal education predict increased behavioural and emotional problems in toddlers with CHD. These risk factors should be considered during routine ND evaluations to allow for earlier identification of children with CHD and their families who may benefit from psychological support.

Author List

Jilek E, Shields A, Zhang L, Simpson P, Bear L, Martins SA, Mussatto KA, Brosig CL

Authors

Laurel M. Bear MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Cheryl L. Brosig Soto PhD Chief, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Kathleen Mussatto Ph.D. Associate Professor in the School of Nursing department at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Pippa M. Simpson PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Child
Child Behavior Disorders
Child, Preschool
Cognition
Educational Status
Emotions
Heart Defects, Congenital
Humans
Infant
Parents