Language barriers and mental health problems of preschool children born very preterm in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

We assessed whether behavioural and emotional problems of 5- to 6-year-old preschool children born very preterm (<32 weeks' gestation) are associated with an immigrant background and linguistic distance of their first language to the host country's official language, German.

Method

This is an observational longitudinal cohort study. Data are from the national multicentre German Neonatal Network cohort, including all very preterm births from 2009 onwards. A total of 3220 (n = 1570 female) children were followed up at preschool age; 629 (n = 324 female) of these had an immigrant background. Behavioural and emotional problems were assessed using the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results

Mixed-effects models showed that immigrant stat

SUBMITTER: Jaekel J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11965972 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature