Despite other studies which suggest that babies born prematurely are more likely to have drastically reduced levels of
achievement in their childhood years, compared to their full-term equals, a new study from Canada suggests that by adulthood, the
differences in attainment are not so great.
Researchers at the Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, carried out a study looking at the outcomes in young adulthood, of 166 very low birth-weight infants compared to 145 normal birth-weight
infants.
Tracking the progress of these children since their births (between 1977 and 1982) at the ages of eight, in their teens and in
their early-20s, the study found that 82 per cent of low birth-weight children graduated from high school compared to 87 per cent
of normal birth-weight children. The group also went on to develop personal relationships, careers and their own sense of
independence as successfully as the normal birth-weight sample. This was a very positive outcome as other assessments had shown
that the lower birth-weight group's comparative achievements were far lower during earlier years.
It is known that around a quarter of low birth-weight children suffer from disabilities such as blindness and delayed development
compared to about 2 per cent of normal birth-weight children, but this study offers longterm hope for premature babies and their
parents.
For more on the study, visit the university's website.
