Lack of social support as measured by the Family Resource Scale screening tool is associated with early adverse cognitive outcome in extremely low birth weight children.

Objective: Extremely low birth weight children are at high risk for cognitive impairment.

Study Design: Cognitive outcome of extremely low birth weight children participating in a Neonatal Research Network, randomized trial was evaluated at 18 and 30 months corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd ed. Family resources and social support were assessed using a Family Resource Scale parent questionnaire. Regression analysis was used to determine independent demographic, medical, and family resource factors influencing longitudinal cognitive outcome.

Result: Higher Family Resource Scale scores at 18 months were associated with greater improvement in cognitive scores between 18 and 30 months. Cognitive outcome was most adversely affected in children whose families had the least resources and social support. The adverse effect of poor social support was independent of family income.

Conclusion: Poor interpersonal social support has an independent, adverse impact on cognitive outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants.