Authors (including presenting author) :
Au ACY(1), Leung LK(1), Fan CCY(1), Tso WWY(1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, (2) State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
Previous studies have shown increased risk of Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among preterm children, and that ADHD children have poorer sensory processing. However, there is a lack of literature addressing sensory profiles in preterm ADHD populations.
Objectives :
This study aims to investigate the sensory profile of preterm children and its association with ADHD symptoms and quality of life.
Methodology :
Parents of 33 preterm children (mean age=5.48, 33.3% female) completed a survey investigating their children’s ADHD symptoms using Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviour Scale (SWAN), sensory processing ability with Child Sensory Profile-2 and quality of life using Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Their sensory profile based on the indication of ADHD symptoms was compared using independent t-tests. Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between ADHD symptoms, sensory processing and quality of life.
Result & Outcome :
Parents reported 28 children (84.8%) with indication of ADHD and 27 (81.8%) with indication of inattentive ADHD. Preterm children with indication of inattentive ADHD had significantly worse sensory processing skills compared to those without, including lower scores for sensory integration (SI) (F=5.92, p=0.0216), multisensory processing (F=20.08, p=0.0001), and inattention/distractibility (F=16.88, p=0.0003). Mediation analysis showed that SI was a significant mediator between inattentive symptoms and quality of life (β = -5.69, 95 CI: -10.27, -1.80, p=0.003). A full mediation where inattention was associated with poorer sensory integration, hence leading to worse quality of life was discovered.
These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address sensory integration issues in this vulnerable population.
