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Is a Distressed Birth Associated With Physical and Mental Health Problems as an Adult?: Evidence From Panel Data

Michael T French1, Karoline Mortensen1

  • 1Department of Health Management and Policy, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.

Medical Care
|April 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Distressed births, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, and NICU admission, are linked to poorer adult physical and mental health. These findings highlight the need for prevention initiatives to improve long-term health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Longitudinal Studies

Background:

  • Extensive research exists on short-term outcomes of distressed births, focusing on infant survival and immediate complications.
  • Limited studies have explored the long-term physical and mental health consequences for individuals who experienced distressed births.
  • This research addresses the gap in understanding the lifelong impact of early life adversity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between three common types of distressed births: low birth weight (LBW), preterm delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.
  • To determine if these birth conditions are significantly related to adult physical health (overall health status, chronic conditions) and mental health (mental health disorders).
  • To analyze these relationships in young and middle-aged adults.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health).
  • Sample included 15,701 respondents in Wave IV (2008-2009) and 12,300 in Wave V (2016-2018).
  • Employed multivariate regression and mixed-effects models to analyze associations between distressed birth indicators and adult health outcomes.

Main Results:

  • All three measures of distressed birth (LBW, preterm delivery, NICU admission) showed significant negative associations with adult physical health.
  • Similarly, these distressed birth indicators were significantly linked to poorer adult mental health.
  • Statistical significance (P<0.05) was observed across all examined relationships.

Conclusions:

  • Findings underscore the lasting impact of distressed births on long-term physical and mental well-being into adulthood.
  • Results provide evidence for increased resource allocation towards the prevention of distressed births.
  • Recommended prevention strategies include enhanced family planning, comprehensive prenatal care, and promotion of healthy behaviors during pregnancy.
Abstract

Keywords:
NICUchronic conditionsdistressed birthhealth statuslow birth weightmental healthpanel datapreterm delivery

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