Socioeconomic outcomes in very preterm/very low birth weight adults: individual participant data meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks) or very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) birth is associated with socioeconomic disadvantages in adulthood; however, the predictors of these outcomes remain underexplored. This study examined socioeconomic disparities and identified neonatal and sociodemographic risk factors among VPT/VLBW individuals.

Methods

A one-stage individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using 11 birth cohorts from eight countries, comprising 1695 VPT/VLBW and 1620 term-born adults aged 18-30 years.

Results

VPT/VLBW adults had lower odds of higher educational attainment (0.40[0.26-0.59]), remaining in education (0.63[0.47-0.84]) or paid work (0.76[0.59-0.97]), and higher odds of receiving social benefits (3.93[2.63-5.68]) than term-borns.

SUBMITTER: Zhou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811119 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature