The consequences of premature birth extend into adulthood, research shows

By analyzing all live births in Canada over a six-year period and following children for more than twenty years, researchers found that preterm birth and the associated cognitive, developmental and physical health consequences of preterm birth are associated with lower income, fewer employment opportunities and fewer university enrollments.

Individuals born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, who are considered premature babies, on average have lower labor income, lower college enrollments and lower educational attainment through age 28, according to a study published in open access on November 6, 2024 magazine has been published. PLOS ONE by Petros Pechlivanoglou of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

Preterm birth affects approximately 10% of all births worldwide and is responsible for one in five childhood deaths. Economic and lifestyle factors can impact a family’s access to therapies and support, financial stability, and quality of life.

Many studies have looked at the short-term clinical consequences of preterm birth, but few have followed these children over longer periods to also examine the socio-economic consequences of preterm birth.

In the new study, Pechlivanoglou and colleagues used data on 2.4 million individuals born in Canada between 1990 and 1996. Information about the individuals’ births, as well as their employment and education through 2018 was available.

The study found that, after controlling for basic characteristics such as parental demographics, the average income of preterm births ages 18 to 28 was $958 CAD (6%) lower per year than those born at term.

Those born prematurely were also 2.13% less likely to work, 17% less likely to enroll in college and 16% less likely to graduate with a college degree. For individuals born at the earliest gestational age, 24-27 weeks, these associations were even stronger with lower annual income of $5,463 CAD (17%) and a 45% decline in college enrollment and graduation rates.

Petros Pechlivanoglou added: “Although clinical care during the neonatal period is critical, our findings suggest that the development of long-term support (including psychological, educational and vocational resources) beyond clinical care can reduce the long-term effects of premature birth can help soothe. birth.

“Policymakers and society as a whole must recognize that the socio-economic impact of preterm birth can extend into early adulthood and that considerations for continued support may be critical to ensuring this population has an equal opportunity to thrive. ”