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Young adult outcomes following premature birth: A Western Australian experience
Cheryl A Mackay1, Caitlin Gray2, Catherine Campbell3
1Neonatal Directorate, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; University of Western Australia, Australia.
Insights
Young adults born preterm report good quality of life and social connections. However, they experience higher rates of medical and psychological conditions compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Adult Health Outcomes
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Long-term adult outcomes for preterm births are under-researched.
- Focus on quality of life and co-morbidities in young adults born preterm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of life in young adults born preterm.
- To determine the burden of co-morbidities in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of a 1990-1991 birth cohort.
- Participants born between 23-33 weeks gestation.
- Health questionnaires and comparison with population data.
Main Results:
- 73 preterm-born adults (aged 28-30) surveyed.
- High rates of high school completion, full-time employment, and positive relationships.
- Increased prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, asthma, neuropsychiatric conditions, and visual impairment.
- Mild anxiety identified; increased healthcare utilization and medication use.
Conclusions:
- Preterm-born adults report good quality of life and social integration.
- They contribute significantly to society.
- Increased medical and psychological conditions are noted compared to the general population.
Background:
Childhood outcomes following preterm birth are widely published, however long-term adult outcomes are less well described. We aimed to determine the quality of life and burden of co-morbidities experienced by preterm-born young adults in Western Australia.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted. Participants born at 23-33 weeks gestation cared for at King Edward Memorial Hospital during 1990 and 1991 were recruited from a historical birth cohort. Participants completed general, medical and reproductive health questionnaires. Results were compared with contemporaneous cohort data and/or population statistics.
Results:
Questionnaires were received from 73 young adults aged 28 to 30 years. The majority of respondents completed high school (94.5 %), were employed fulltime (74.0 %) and had close friends and family relationships. Almost all the participants considered their health to be good (94.0 %) and participated in light exercise (90.0 %). Increased hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, asthma, neuropsychiatric conditions and visual impairment were reported. Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) scoring identified increased mild anxiety. Increased consultation with healthcare workers and use of prescription medications were reported.
Conclusion:
The group of preterm-born adults surveyed reported a good quality of life, supportive interpersonal relationships and they provided significant contributions to society. They did report increased medical and psychological conditions than the general population.
