Executive functions in very-low-birth-weight young adults: a comparison between self-report and neuropsychological test results

J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2014 May;20(5):506-15. doi: 10.1017/S1355617714000332. Epub 2014 Apr 16.

Abstract

Executive functions are goal-directed control mechanisms that modulate the operation of other cognitive processes. Preterm born very-low-birth-weight (VLBW: birth weight<1500 grams) children have more problems with attention/executive function than their term born peers. The objective of this study is to examine if VLBW young adults had more self-reported attention/ executive problems and lower neuropsychological test results than controls. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between self-reported attention/executive problems, general cognitive ability (IQ) and test results. Forty-two VLBW [mean birth weight 1237 (219) grams, and gestational age 29.3 (2.4) weeks] and 63 term born controls at age 19 years completed The BRIEF-A self-report of attention/executive functions in everyday life. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III was used to obtain IQ scores; subtests from Delis-Kaplan were used to assess attention/executive function. There were no differences between the VLBW young adults and controls on any of the BRIEF-A measures, but the VLBW subjects had lower scores on 8 of the 18 neuropsychological subtests (p<.01). Some correlations between BRIEF-A and the Stroop and TMT tests were found in the VLBW group. VLBW young adults do not report more problems regarding attention/executive function in daily life than controls despite lower results on several neuropsychological tests.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / physiology*
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / psychology*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Norway
  • Self Report*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Young Adult