THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A HISTORY OF PRETERM BIRTH AND THE PREVALENCE OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AMONG CHILDREN AT SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN MAKASSAR CITYKOTA MAKASSAR

Abstract

Background: Intellectual disability is a neurocognitive developmental disorder that can be influenced by various perinatal factors, one of which is a history of preterm birth. Preterm birth risks disrupting the maturation of brain structure and function, thus impacting a child's intellectual abilities. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between a history of preterm birth and intellectual disability among children attending Special Schools in Makassar City.
Methods: This study employed an analytical observational cross-sectional design and was conducted from December 2025 to January 2026 at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar City and SLB C Yayasan Pembina Pendidikan Luar Biasa (YPPLB) Makassar City. A total of 82 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Birth history was obtained through interviews with parents, while the level of intellectual disability was obtained from school documents. Analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test.
Results: Most respondents had no history of preterm birth (76.8%), while the majority of children had moderate intellectual disabilities (39.0%). Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between a history of preterm birth and the prevalence of intellectual disability in children (p=0.019).
Conclusion: A history of preterm birth is significantly associated with the prevalence of intellectual disability in children at special schools in Makassar City. This finding highlights the importance of addressing perinatal factors as part of early detection and prevention efforts for developmental disorders.