| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 職能治療學系 === 103 === This thesis includes two studies on the handwriting performance of preterm children. In the first study, we aimed to compare handwriting performance of children born preterm and at term children at grade 2. Biological, health, and social factors related to handwriting performance in children were also investigated. Sixty-eight preterm and 71 term children were recruited. Children’s class teachers were asked to complete the Chinese Handwriting Evaluation Form (CHEF).The results showed that gender and an experience of rehabilitation treatment in the early years were significantly related to handwriting performance of preterm children. A significant interaction effect of group (preterm term) and gender in the handwriting speed was found. Boys born prematurely demonstrated slower handwriting speed compare to boys at term (p=0.006), while no significant differences were found in girls born preterm and at term. In the second study, we aimed to investigate the underlying factors related to the handwriting performance of preterm children. Forty-one preterm children were recruited and their intelligence, attention, visual perception, tactile and kinesthetic sensation were assessed. After controlling for the covariates, the results showed that visual perception was the best predictor of overall handwriting performance (R2=0.17, p=0.025). Attention was the best predictor of handwriting speed (R2=0.339, p=0.04). The present findings indicate that preterm children who are boys, have received a diagnosis of developmental delay, and have had rehabilitation in early years are at high risk for poor handwriting performance. In addition, visual perception and attention are significant predictors related to handwriting performance in preterm children. The evaluation and intervention of visual perception and attention are suggested for preschool children born prematurely may be helpful to improve their handwriting performance in the primary school later.
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