| Learning Objective #1: Describe common risks to child competence of children adopted from the Former Soviet Union | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify aspects of adoptive family environment that are related to child competence |
Objective: To evaluate the impact of family environment on the competence of children adopted from the former Soviet Union. Design: A cohort of 105 children adopted by U.S. families has been followed prospectively since 1998. Population, Sample, Setting: These adoptive families from 16 U.S. states create environment of resilience for their children who have experienced multiple early adversities. At time I (n=105; mean age of children, 7.7 years), significant risk factors including prenatal alcohol exposure (41%), institutionalization during sensitive developmental periods (100%), and abuse (57%) were described. Concepts and Variables Studied Together: We examined the impact of family environment as a predictor of child academic, social and conduct competence. Methods: Mailings were sent to adoptive families recruited from five adoption agencies in 1997-98 were inviting them to participate in an initial study and follow-up study three years later. Data were collected via telephone and mail survey. Findings: Scores on Family Environment subdomains remained positive and unchanged except for the Cohesion scale (mean at time I=59.1 (sd=8.5); mean at Time II was 55.7 (sd=9.9). This resulted in a significant decrease in cohesion (t (45)=-2.043), p<.05). At Time II (n=46; mean age of children, 11.1), outcomes in social and conduct competence had improved but the academic competence measure declined slightly. Many children continue to face academic challenges; 54% have reading abilities below grade level and 58% are eligible for special services provided by school districts. Multiple regression analysis of total competence showed two significant predictors: birth weight and family environment (cohesion), resulting in a significant model fit (R2=.271, adjusted R2=.229). Conclusions: Many children face academic challenges; 54% read below grade level and 58% are eligible for special services provided by school districts. Implications: Adoptive family environment makes a significant difference in child competence for children adopted from the former USSR.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003