Epidemiology of left handedness and the associated health probiems in prematurely born children

ABSTRACT

Hand preference was measured in a total group of 294 premature children to determine patterns of hand preference at ages 4 - 10 years and the possible associated health problems with left handedness. The overall prevalence of left handedness was 10.5%, while 6.5% and 4.1% were left leg preferable and suffering from squint. The prevalence in male children was 12.6% versus 8.6% in females [RR = 1.47] and the prevalence decreased with increasing age. Among the left handed children 29% were of low birth weight. Also, 6.5%, 3.2% and 28.8% fathers, mothers and siblings of the left handers were left handers. As regards the associated diseases, 35.5% of the left handed children were suffering from diseases versus 18.6% from right handed children. No association between left handedness and weight, height, head circumference, mid arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness was found. In conclusion, a great attention and care must be given to children born prematurely. Also, nutritional and health education programs concerning importance of antenatal, natal and post-natal care must be directed towards women, especially those of low socioeconomic levels