Table 4

Behavioural outcomes of the children

 T score
Mean (SD)
% (sub)clinical
FT
N=94
MPT
N=111
p ValueEffect size*FT (%)MPT(%)OR(95% CI)p Value
Total problems43.34 (8.56)46.06 (7.87)0.080.023.25.41.37(0.31 to 6.02)0.68
Internalising problems41.54 (8.56)44.76 (8.94)0.030.031.15.43.70(0.41 to 33.09)0.24
Externalising problems46.80 (8.68)48.80 (8.11)0.240.014.39.01.88(0.54 to 6.54)0.32
Subscales
 Emotionally reactive51.43 (2.98)52.60 (4.59)0.120.011.14.53.70(0.40 to 34.22)0.25
 Anxious/ depressed50.46 (1.55)50.74 (1.88)0.530.00200
 Somatic complaints52.15 (4.23)53.68 (5.49)0.180.013.210.82.26(0.58 to 8.83)0.24
 Withdrawn51.87 (3.34)52.23 (3.51)0.700.0011.10.90.76(0.04 to 15.14)0.86
 Sleep problems51.99 (4.09)52.13 (3.89)0.890.002.11.80.53(0.06 to 4.43)0.55
 Attention problems52.68 (4.58)53.46 (5.26)0.880.004.36.31.06(0.28 to 4.04)0.93
 Aggressive behaviour52.28 (3.58)52.86 (4.60)0.350.00403.6
  • *Partial η2; analyses are adjusted for maternal education level and maternal age at birth; ANCOVA results of the total problems score: F1,201=3.15, p=0.08, partial η2=0.02; MANCOVA results of the internalising and externalising scale: Wilks’ Λ=0.98, F2,200=2.54, p=0.08, partial η2=0.03; MANOVA results of the subscales: Wilks’ Λ=0.98, F7,195=0.59, p=0.76, partial η2=0.02.

  • ANCOVA, analysis of covariance; FT, full term, GA 37–41 weeks; GA, gestational age; MANOVA, multivariate analysis of variance; MANCOVA, multivariate analysis of covariance; MPT, moderately preterm, GA 32–36 weeks.