According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, premature birth poses not only immediate health challenges, but also long-term risks, including the possibility of death early in adulthood. Research shows a significant need for both immediate and long-term care for individuals born prematurely.

Dr. Asma Ahmed, lead researcher and assistant professor of epidemiology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, explains the importance of recognizing the extended health risks associated with preterm birth. “Understanding these long-term effects allows us to develop preventive strategies and improve care for individuals born prematurely,” he said.

Globally, about 1 in 10 births are preterm, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death and the second most common cause of death in children under 5 years of age. While most premature babies survive to adulthood, studies show that the risk of premature death continues to increase by the time they are in their 30s.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 5 million live births in Canada between 1983 and 1996, of which 6.9 per cent were born prematurely. Subjects were followed for 36 years, with results linking premature birth to higher mortality rates in all age groups, particularly in childhood and early adulthood.

The study found that the risks were most pronounced:

– Infancy (0-11 months),

– Early childhood (1-5 years),

– Adolescence and young adulthood.

Premature deaths were mainly associated with respiratory, circulatory and digestive disorders; diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems; Infection; cancer; and congenital anomalies. The risk was highest for those born before 28 weeks of gestation.

Dr. Ahmed stressed the need for comprehensive care even after the neonatal period. “Long-term monitoring and care are necessary to reduce these risks,” he said. The study underlines the importance of recognizing preterm birth as a significant risk factor for early mortality spanning the third and fourth decades of life.

Further research is important, especially in low- and middle-income countries where preterm birth rates are highest, and health care resources may be limited. Understanding these disparities can guide global efforts to reduce risks and improve outcomes for premature infants.

According to World Health Organization data, India has the highest number of premature births globally, with about 3.5 million premature babies born every year. This is an important part of the global total, as preterm birth is a serious concern worldwide. Other countries with high numbers of preterm births include China (1.2 million), Nigeria (773,600), and Pakistan (748,100). These figures highlight disparities in maternal and newborn health care across the region.

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