The impact of preterm birth <37 weeks on parents and families: a cross-sectional study in the 2 years after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit

Table 3 Adjusted associations of potentially modifiable characteristics with total impact on family scores (n = 196)

Characteristics	Difference in impact on family scale (95% confidence interval)^a	p-value
Use of community based resources
Enrollment in early intervention	−1 (−8, 6.7)	0.8
Use of social services^c	5.7 (0.2, 11)	0.04
Use of public housing	0.3 (−9.5, 10.1)	0.9
Receive supplemental security income	−2.8 (−8.2, 3.2)	0.4
Use of a community based clinic for primary care	−2.3 (−8.8, 4.1)	0.5
Financial burden since infant discharge
Family member has taken ≥ 3 h/week off from work without pay	4.7 (0.8, 8.7)	0.02
Family member has received compensation by employer for time off	1.3 (−2.9, 5.6)	0.5
No compensation (from any source) for time off	4.8 (−0.3, 9.9)	0.06
Financial burden
Unexpected costs	1.5 (−2.8, 5.7)	0.7
Increased bills	6.1 (0.4, 11.9)	0.04
Increased out-of-pocket expenses	−1.5 (−7, 4.5)	0.6
Financial worry	4 (0.2,7)	0.04
Collections discussed prior to discharge	2.5 (−2.5, 7)	0.4
Enrollment in medi-caid	1.3 (−3.5, 6)	0.6
Health related social problems
Unsafe home environment^d	6.3 (0.2, 12.3)	0.04
Social isolation^e	8.5 (4, 12.9)	0.0003

Models adjusted for: infant birthweight (per 500 g increase), race, family annual household income, infant co-morbidities during hospitalization in NICU (including of the following: growth restriction, surfactant deficiency, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 or 4, patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity)
^aEstimates represent differences in points on Impact on Family Scale (range of possible scores, 0 to 56). Higher scores represent higher impact
^cUse of one or more public assistance programs: Supplemental nutritional assistance program for Women, Infants and Children, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
^dUnsafe home environment constitutes water leaks, pests, or no heat
^eSocial isolation defined by positive response to query about feelings of isolation

ISSN: 1477-7525