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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Health, lifestyle, and quality of life for young adults born very preterm
1Neonatal Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK. mc19@liv.ac.uk
Insights
Childhood behavioral and learning difficulties in very preterm individuals may persist into adulthood, impacting lifestyle and health but not perceived quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neonatal Follow-up Studies
- Adult Health Outcomes
Background:
- Very preterm birth is associated with significant neurodevelopmental challenges in childhood.
- Long-term outcomes into adulthood, particularly regarding lifestyle and quality of life, remain unclear.
- Understanding adult sequelae is crucial for targeted interventions and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term impact of very preterm birth on adult lifestyle and quality of life.
- To determine if early childhood difficulties persist into early adulthood.
- To compare outcomes of very preterm individuals with term-born controls.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study assessed very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and term controls at 19-22 years.
- Postal questionnaires collected data on quality of life (SF-36), social activities, lifestyle, mental health, and demographics.
- Statistical analysis compared outcomes between preterm and control groups.
Main Results:
- Preterm adults reported similar quality of life and social activities compared to controls.
- Differences observed in lifestyle: less alcohol and drug use, similar smoking rates, more children, shorter stature, and lower satisfaction with appearance.
- Preterm individuals were more likely to use prescription medicine, less likely to pursue higher education, and had higher unemployment rates.
Conclusions:
- While perceived quality of life in early adulthood is not significantly affected, very preterm birth has lasting influences on lifestyle and health.
- Early childhood challenges may translate into specific adult socioeconomic and health disparities.
- Further research is needed to address these persistent issues and improve long-term well-being.
Background:
Children born very preterm and able to attend mainstream schools have been shown to have a high prevalence of behavioural, minor motor, and learning difficulties. It is not clear whether these problems persist into adulthood, impacting on lifestyle and quality of life.
Methods:
A previously studied cohort of very low birth weight infants born between 1980 and 1983, together with term classmate controls, were assessed at age 19-22 years using a postal questionnaire. The questionnaire included the SF-36 to assess quality of life, a social activities scale, a lifestyle questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and questions on current height, weight, health, family structure, and education and occupation.
Results:
Of the 138 preterm and 163 term controls in the cohort, 79 preterm and 71 term returned questionnaires. Quality of life was assessed as similar on six of eight domains of the SF-36. Social activities were also similar. Preterms drank less alcohol, used fewer illicit drugs, but smoked as often. Rates for sexual intercourse were similar, although preterms had more children. Preterms were shorter than controls and were less satisfied with their appearance. They were more likely to use a regular prescription medicine. Fewer were or had been in higher education, and some remained unemployed.
Conclusion:
The problems experienced by very preterm infants at school appear to influence lifestyle and health, but not perceived quality of life in early adulthood.
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