Factors in children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome at 10 years of age: Evidence from the maternal lifestyle study

Purpose

Few studies have addressed the impact of prior prenatal substance exposure and current household environment on neurodevelopmental health in children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This study aimed to describe the prenatal exposures, household environment, and neurodevelopmental health at 10 years of age among children with a history of NAS.

Design and Methods

This study was a retrospective, descriptive design using data from the Maternal Lifestyle Study. Descriptive analyses were conducted. A total of 234 children with a history of NAS were included in this study. Variables selected based on the socio-ecological model included prenatal exposures, household environment, and neurodevelopmental health outcomes.

Results

In this sample, most children were male (63%) with prenatal polysubstance exposure (80%). The majority lived in a home where substance use occurred (68%). Children experienced abnormal cognitive development (26%), language disorders (24%), learning disorders (23%), and abnormal behavioral development (16%).

Implications

This study extends the description of children with a history of NAS beyond 5 years of age. Pediatric nurses can ensure that children with a history of NAS receive neurodevelopmental screening up to and beyond 10 years of age.