Impact of Preterm Birth and Parental Distress on Children's Mental Health

Influence of Expected and Actual Preterm-Birth and Parental Distress on Children's Mental Health 6-11 Years Postpartum

Observational Goethe University · NCT06627140

This study looks at how being born early and the stress of parents affect the mental health and development of children aged 6-11.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorGoethe University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Frankfurt am Main, Hesse)
Trial IDNCT06627140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study assesses the mental health and cognitive development of children aged 6-11 who were born prematurely or at term. It evaluates various psychological disorders such as ADHD, autism traits, and affective disorders through questionnaires and clinical interviews. The study also analyzes risk and protective factors, including parental mental health and social support during the peripartum period. Data from medical records and previous questionnaires will be utilized to categorize children based on their birth circumstances and assess the interplay between these factors and children's mental health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 6-11 who were part of a previous study on psychological distress in parents of preterm infants.

Not a fit: Patients who did not participate in the previous study or have severe psychiatric or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the long-term mental health outcomes of children born preterm and inform interventions for affected families.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding the impact of preterm birth on mental health, making this approach both relevant and supported by existing literature.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Children and their parents must have participated in the previous study. Inclusion criteria of the previous study regarding the parents were:

* Pregnant women and their partners from the 24th week of gestation on
* 18 years of age

Exclusion criteria of the previous study were:

* Psychiatric, mainly psychotic diseases
* Drug abuse
* Severe neurological disorders
* Stillbirth

Where this trial is running

Frankfurt am Main, Hesse

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Preterm BirthPsychological DistressMental HealthCognitive Functioning
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.