Health-related quality of life at age 10 years in children born extremely preterm

J Perinatol. 2024 Jun;44(6):835-843. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-01987-3. Epub 2024 May 17.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between prenatal maternal health and socioeconomic status (SES) and health-related quality of life (QoL) among 10-year-old children born extremely preterm.

Design/ methods: Retrospective analysis of the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns (ELGAN) Study cohort of infants born < 28 weeks gestational age. QoL was assessed at 10 years of age using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Multivariate regression models were used for analyses.

Results: Of 1198 participants who survived until 10 years of age, 889 (72.2%) were evaluated. Lower maternal age, lack of college education; receipt of public insurance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were associated with lower QoL scores. Specific maternal health factors were also associated with lower child QoL scores.

Conclusions: Specific, potentially modifiable, maternal health and social factors are associated with lower scores on a measure of parent-reported child QoL across multiple domains for children born extremely preterm.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Extremely Premature*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Maternal Age
  • Maternal Health
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Quality of Life*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Social Class
  • Socioeconomic Factors