The knowledge about long-term consequences of preterm birth among health professionals, educational professionals, and parents in Slovenia.

Aim: To assess the knowledge about the long-term consequences of preterm birth and the need for training and information among various professionals working with preterm children and parents of preterm children.

Methods: In February and March 2018, physicians, psychologists, special education needs teachers, teachers, preschool teachers, and parents (N=488) filled in the Preterm Birth-Knowledge Scale and a survey regarding their perceptions and attitudes toward working with preterm children.

Results: Physicians and psychologists were most knowledgeable among the groups about the long-term consequences of preterm birth. Teachers, preschool teachers, and parents had significantly lower knowledge (F=23.18, P<0.001). The majority of professionals indicated that they did not feel adequately equipped to support the learning and development of preterm children and that they had not received sufficient training in this area. More than half indicated that they had received no formal training. In general, the participants tended to underestimate the long-term problems of preterm children.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of integrating the issue of the long-term outcomes of preterm birth and working with preterm children into formal education, and in other forms of educational activities.