Anna Hodgekiss for MailOnline
17
View
comments
People-born prematurely are more likely to grow up to be poor – in terms of both wealth and well-being, a new study has claimed.
Fewer adults who were ‘sugar-bag babies’ – born prematurely at low-birth weights – were employed or had children, researchers.
And they were also more likely to have lower incomes, be single and report more chronic health conditions than their normal-birth-weight-term counterparts.
Premature babies are pre-disposed to a lifetime legacy of worse health and wealth than their normal weight counterparts, new Canadian research suggests
The researchers said the first generation of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature babies – weighing less than 1,000 grams (2.2 lbs) – who were born after the introduction of neonatal intensive care has now survived into their fourth decade.
Dr Saroj Saigal, of McMaster University in Canada, and colleagues compared the functioning of adults aged 29 to 36 who were ELBW with adults who are born at normal weight at term.
The study, published online by the journal JAMA Pediatrics, included 100 ELBW survivors and 89 normal-birth-weight control participants for comparison.
While the groups did not differ on the highest educational level achieved or in family and partner relationships, the findings showed there were differences in other areas.
For example, ELBW survivors as adults were less likely to be employed, more likely to earn less money, more likely to remain single, have not had sex, and fewer had children.
Those born prematurely were also more likely to report more chronic health conditions, and to have lower self esteem.
The ELBW survivors were also less likely to have current drug abuse or dependence or lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence.
Early-born children are more likely to have lower incomes, be single and report more chronic health issues
A higher proportion of the adults born prematurely without neurosensory impairments also were likely to identify as bisexual or homosexual.
Dr Saigal said: ‘Overall, the majority of extremely premature adults are living independently and contributing well to society.
‘It is difficult to predict what the future will hold for these ELBW adults as they reach middle age in terms of their employment, income, family and partner relationships, and quality of life.
‘It is therefore essential that these individuals receive necessary support and continued monitoring.’
Share or comment on this article
-
WARNING: Naked man suicide attempt in lion enclosure
-
Is Hillary protecting women? Trump asks in new sinister…
-
Barrel trick: Skilful man shows how to move barrels stress…
-
Tutor caught on camera having sex with student in classroom
-
American company designs capsule to help people escape…
-
Chimp is transfixed by baby and dances through glass at zoo
-
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoy the Chelsea flower show
-
Monster great white shark breaches metres from divers in…
-
FDNY and NYPD brawl during ‘Fun City Bowl’ football game
-
Brazilian beauty impresses guys by freestyling football in…
-
Baby cuddles with American Bulldog pal wearing pyjamas
-
Pres. Obama visits Hanoi noodle shop with Anthony Bourdain
-
‘Reckless’ curry house boss who switched almonds for cheaper…
-
McCaughey septuplets graduate high school 18 years after…
-
‘It’s a miracle’: Virgin Mary statue ‘crying a single tear…
-
‘Suicide by LION’: Man strips naked and jumps into a Chilean…
-
EXCLUSIVE: No backsies! Chef Paula Deen demands her husband…
-
Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood says Hollywood is gripped…
-
Bill Cosby ADMITS to sexual encounters with teens and says…
-
First horrific pictures of Calvin Harris’ mangled car wreck…
-
Trump slams Hillary Clinton for not ‘protecting women’ in…
-
Bizarre tale of the Boardwalk babies: How thousands of…
-
Outraged parents claim court refused to prosecute babysitter…
-
Baltimore cop is NOT GUILTY over Freddie Gray’s death:…
Comments (17)
Share what you think
-
Newest -
Oldest -
Best rated -
Worst rated
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Find out now