Children who come into the world at an extremely low birth weight, a condition that can lead to behaviour and learning problems, appear to grow into self-assured teenagers who don't feel left behind by their peers, Canadian researchers have said.
"Although there are still a few mild residual behavioural problems and some concerns with adaptive functioning as reported by parents, the adolescents seem to view themselves positively in all aspects and are engaging in fewer risk-seeking behaviours," said the authors of the report.
The findings were based on a review of 263 youngsters in Ontario studied over the years since their birth. Some of the group had low birth weights (less than 1kg) while the rest were born at normal weights.
The study from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, was published in the May issue of Paediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Paediatrics. - Reuters