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Teenagers born at extremely low birth weight
Michael F Whitfield1, Ruth E Grunau
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, University of British Columbia.
Paediatrics & Child Health
|November 26, 2008
Summary
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) teenagers face ongoing challenges in adolescence, including physical, cognitive, and academic vulnerabilities. Their long-term outcomes are significantly shaped by socioeconomic and family factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical developmental period for individuals born extremely low birth weight (ELBW).
- Previous research on ELBW individuals born in the 1980s offers insights into their adolescent and early adult trajectories.
- Understanding the long-term effects of ELBW is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the growth, developmental characteristics, and psychosocial outcomes of extremely low birth weight teenagers.
- To identify persistent vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ELBW adolescents compared to their full-term peers.
- To explore the influence of environmental factors on the outcomes of ELBW teenagers.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) teenagers.
- Assessment of physical growth parameters (height, weight, head circumference).
- Evaluation of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, self-concept, parental perceptions, and physical activity levels.
Main Results:
- ELBW teenagers exhibit reduced stature and head circumference compared to full-term peers.
- Cognitive and academic difficulties, particularly in nonverbal intelligence and arithmetic, persist into adolescence.
- While self-concept is similar, parents perceive ELBW teenagers as more vulnerable to behavioral and psychosocial issues.
- ELBW adolescents report needing more help with job seeking and have lower physical activity levels.
- Socioeconomic, family, and parenting factors significantly influence ELBW teenagers' outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) adolescents experience persistent physical, cognitive, and academic challenges.
- Parental perceptions highlight increased psychosocial vulnerabilities in ELBW teenagers.
- Lower physical activity in ELBW adolescents poses future health risks.
- Intervention strategies should consider socioeconomic and family support systems for ELBW individuals.
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