RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the association of birth weight with parent-reported special healthcare needs (SHCN) and unmet healthcare needs among children born prematurely. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from the 2016-2017 National Survey of Children's Health. Prematurity, birth weight, SHCN, and unmet healthcare needs were reported for one child per participating household. We analyzed children age 0-5 years, and classified birthweight among children born preterm as very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g), low birth weight (LBW, 1500-2500 g), and normal weight (NBW, >2500 g). Term-born NBW children were included as a reference group. RESULTS: The analysis included 190 VLBW preterm, 688 LBW preterm, 884 NBW preterm, and 15 629 NBW term-born children. Weighted SHCN prevalence was 10%, and 1% had unmet healthcare needs. On multivariable analysis, children born preterm and VLBW had significantly higher odds of SHCN compared with NBW term-born children (OR, 9.8; 95% CI, 4.9-19.6). Preterm LBW and NBW preterm groups had smaller increases in SHCN odds (OR, 2.5 and OR, 1.6, respectively). The odds of unmet healthcare needs did not differ among the 4 study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among children under 5 years of age, preterm birth and VLBW are associated with very high likelihood of SHCN, compared with LBW/NBW preterm or NBW term-born children. However, requirements for additional health services in this group were adequately met, according to caregiver report.