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

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. Internalising and its subscale emotional problems as well as externalising and its subscale hyperactivity/inattention symptoms were higher in the VLBW group. From 14 to 26 years, changes in emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, externalising problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and prosocial behaviour differed between the groups. Conclusion At 26 years, VLBW participants had more self-reported mental health difficulties than controls. Emotional symptoms increased from 14 to 26 years in the VLBW group, whereas hyperactivity and inattention did not decrease with age as it did in the control group.

Automated summary

This study found that young adults born preterm with very low birth weight have different self-reported mental health compared to term-born controls, and there are changes in mental health from 14 to 26 years.