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Preterm Birth/Low Birth Weight and Markers Reflective of Wealth in Adulthood: A Meta-analysis

Ayten Bilgin1,2, Marina Mendonca1, Dieter Wolke3,4

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and.

Pediatrics
|June 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth and/or low birth weight (PT/LBW) is linked to lower educational attainment, reduced employment, and increased social benefit reliance in adulthood. These outcomes, particularly lower education, were most pronounced in very preterm infants across regions.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Epidemiology
  • Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth and/or low birth weight (PT/LBW) is a known risk factor for cognitive deficits.
  • This suggests a potential association between PT/LBW and reduced socioeconomic status in adulthood.
  • However, existing research on this link has yielded inconsistent findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically investigate the association between PT/LBW and markers of adult wealth.
  • To synthesize evidence on educational qualifications, employment, social benefits, and independent living in PT/LBW-born adults.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase).
  • Prospective longitudinal and registry studies comparing PT/LBW-born adults with term-born controls were included.
  • Data on wealth-related outcomes were extracted by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria, analyzing 1347 articles.
  • PT/LBW was associated with lower odds of higher education (OR=0.74), reduced employment (OR=0.83), and increased odds of receiving social benefits (OR=1.25).
  • A dose-response relationship was observed for education based on gestational age; no significant difference was found for independent living.

Conclusions:

  • PT/LBW is significantly associated with poorer socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood, including lower educational attainment, employment rates, and increased reliance on social benefits.
  • Very preterm birth showed the strongest association with low educational qualifications, consistent globally.
  • The impact on independent living requires further investigation.
Abstract

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