Mental health, pain, and tiredness in adults born very preterm or with very low birthweight
AimAdults born preterm have increased risk of mental health problems and other neurodevelopmental conditions. We aimed to investigate associations of mental health with pain and tiredness in adults born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks) or very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) and at term, and whether these associations are influenced by physical activity.MethodsAs part of an EU Horizon 2020 project, individual participant data from six prospective cohort studies were harmonised for 617 VP/VLBW and 1122 term-born participants. Mental health was assessed by the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment Adult Self-Report. Pain and tiredness were harmonised based on specific items from self-reported questionnaires. Associations between mental health and pain or tiredness were explored by linear regression.ResultsAn increase in the mental health scales internalising, externalising and total problems was associated with increased pain and tiredness in the preterm and term group alike. Results were maintained when adjusting for physical activity.ConclusionThe findings indicate that associations between mental health, pain and tiredness in adults are independent of gestation or birthweight. Future research should explore other potential mechanisms that may underlie the increased risk of mental health problems in the preterm population.
Funding
Academy of Finland
Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz. Grant Numbers: JUG14, 01EP9504, 01ER080
Diabetestutkimussäätiö
European Research Council
Foundation of Paediatric Research
HORIZON EUROPE Reforming and enhancing the European Research and Innovation system. Grant Number: 733280
Joint Research committee of St.Olavs Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and health sciences, NTNU
Novo Nordisk Fonden
Signe ja Ane Gyllenbergin Säätiö
Sigrid Juséliuksen Säätiö
St.Olavs Hospital Research and Innovation
Sydäntutkimussäätiö
Born Very Preterm: A Natural Experiment of How Early Adversity and Social Environment affect Life Course Development (Preterm-Lifecourse)
UK Research and Innovation
Find out more...Yrjö Jahnssonin Säätiö
History
Author affiliation
Department of Population Health Sciences, University of LeicesterVersion
- VoR (Version of Record)