MATERNAL FACTORS AFFECTING DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME OF INFANTS OF ADOLESCENT MOTHERS

Abstract

Research indicates that infants of adolescent mothers (IAM) are at risk for developmental disability. However little is known regarding the factors that place their infants at risk. This study assessed developmental outcome in infants of teenage and adult mothers to examine which maternal factors affected the individual differences observed. Forty-four (21 mothers ≤17 years of age) primiparous, caucasian low to middle class mothers and their full term healthy infants participated in the study. When the infants were 4 mos. old, the Caldwell Home Scale was scored by an unbiased observer during a two-hour home visit. When the infants were 4 & 8 mo. old, information on child care support and life stress was obtained. At 8 mo. neuro-developmental assessments were performed. Neurologic status and motor development were similar between the two groups. However, IAM had lower Mental Development Indices (MDI) (T=3.35, p<.01). Lower MDI in both groups were related to lower HOME total score (r=.41, p<.01), less optimal child care support at 4 (r=.40, p<.01) and 8 mo. (r=.38, p<.05) and a greater number of stressful life events experienced by the mother since the infants' birth (r=.36 p<.05). Thus in a medically low risk population we have documented the significant roles of home and personal factors in mediating the cognitive outcome of IAM.