Screening for language development of preterm infants: relationship between two assessment instruments

ABSTRACT Purpose: to associate two screening instruments used assess global and language development of preterm infants. Methods: a study including 69 children aged 0-24 months corrected age, premature at birth, who were admitted the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Researchers an anamnesis protocols: Early Language Milestone Scale (ELM) Observation Monitoring Guide for Children from 0-48 age. According categorical numerical variables, protocols associated with each other through descriptive percentages non-parametric statistical tests, such as Chi-square, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis test multiple correspondences (p<0.05). Results: significant relationship was found between ELM, since “not expected age” classification delayed/pathological in Guide, while “expected” results related “adequate”. There also percentile both instruments, higher value, ELM values (ELM-R=0.564; p=0.000), suggesting that complement evaluation results. Conclusion: assessment acquisition showed be complementary, providing complete relevant data on