Mental health in adults born preterm with very low birth weight at 14 and 26 years of age assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Very low birth weight (VLBW: <1500 g) is associated with risk of adverse long-term outcomes, including mental health problems. We assessed whether self-reported mental health differed between young adults born preterm with VLBW and term-born controls. We also examined changes in mental health from 14 to 26 years.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, 61 VLBW and 88 control participants completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 26 years. Group differences were analysed by linear regression with adjustment for sex and parental socioeconomic status. Longitudinal changes from 14 to 26 years were analysed using linear mixed model.

Results

Mean total difficulties score was 1.9 (95% CI: 0.5 to 3.5) higher in the VLBW than in the control group. Internalis

SUBMITTER: Eriksen MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10091774 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature