Effect of early intervention on social interaction between mothers and preterm infants at 12 months of age: A randomized controlled trial

In a randomized controlled trial at 12-months of age, the effect of the Mother Infant Transaction Program was tested on social interaction between mothers and moderately and late preterm infants with gestational age ≥ 30.0 and <36 weeks. Ninety-three play sessions were videotaped and coded, 46 mothers–infants in the intervention group and 47 mothers–infants in the control group. The intervention mothers scored higher on maternal sensitivity/responsiveness (p = .05). Being a first-time mother was a moderator that enhanced the effects of the intervention. First-time mothers were more sensitive/responsive to their infant's cues (p = .01), and the dyads evinced higher level of synchrony (p = .02) as compared with experienced mothers. More positive mood was observed among their infants (p = .04). The findings suggest that the intervention contributes to better mother–infant interactions in moderately and late preterm infants of first-time mothers.

Research highlights► Preterm infants-Randomized controlled trial-Early intervention-Videoobservation ► Effects on social interaction between mothers and preterm infants at 12 months ► Intervention mothers scored higher on maternal sensitivity/responsiveness ► Being first-time mother was a moderator that enhanced the effects of intervention. ► More positive mood was observed among infants of First-time mothers.