A new study published in the PLOS One journal reveals that babies born preterm face significant lifelong challenges in education and career prospects.
According to researcher Petros Pechlivanoglou of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, “Our findings suggest that the development of long-term supports, including psychological, educational, and vocational resources, beyond clinical care may help mitigate the longer-term effects of preterm birth.”
For the study, researchers analyzed health, education, and employment data from 2.4 million Canadian births between 1990 and 1996. The results showed that babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are 17% less likely to go to college, 16% less likely to graduate with a college degree, and 2% less likely to be employed.
Those born at the earliest gestation, between 24 and 27 weeks, face even greater challenges, with a 17% lower annual income and a 45% decrease in university enrollment and graduation rates.
“Policymakers and society as a whole must recognize that the socioeconomic impact of preterm birth may extend into early adulthood, and that considerations for ongoing support could be vital to ensuring this population has equal opportunity to thrive,” Pechlivanoglou added in the report.
According to the March of Dimes, nearly 10% of newborns worldwide are born prematurely. It is well known that a baby born prematurely is more likely to experience intellectual and developmental challenges. Researchers found that adults born preterm earn 6% less on average than those born full term.
