Preterm toddlers' inhibitory control abilities predict attention regulation and academic achievement at age 8 years

Objective. The aim was to test if adverse effects of preterm birth on attention and academic abilities at age 8 years are mediated by children’s inhibitory control abilities. Study design. 558 children born at 26-41 weeks gestation were studied as part of a prospective geographically defined longitudinal investigation in Germany. Toddlers’ inhibitory control abilities were observed at age 20 months. At 8 years, attention and academic abilities were assessed. Results they had poor attention regulation and low academic achievement. Adverse effects of preterm birth. The lower children’s gestational age, the lower their inhibitory control and the more likely on attention and academic outcomes were partially mediated by toddlers’ inhibitory control abilities. Conclusion mechanisms linking preterm birth with long-term attention difficulties and academic underachievement.. These findings of early inhibitory control abilities provide new information about th