A major national study demonstrates that preterm births significantly elevate the risk of mental health disorders in children, with anxiety prevalence reaching a peak increase of 44%.
Key Findings from the Analysis
Researchers examined data from 861,876 mother-child pairs involving births between 2009 and 2018. This comprehensive review established a nationwide preterm birth cohort, drawing from national health insurance records.
Children born preterm, including those from singleton pregnancies, showed heightened vulnerability to neurodevelopmental issues. The cohort, averaging 8 years old by 2021, revealed direct correlations between preterm delivery and conditions such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Even isolated preterm cases contributed substantially to these risks, underscoring the impact beyond multiple births or other complications.
Expert Insights
Professor Jang Moon-young from Korea University Graduate School of Health Policy and Management emphasized the study’s importance. “This research uncovers vital connections between the largest domestic mother-child cohort and child mental health risks, carrying substantial implications,” she stated.
She added, “Even singleton preterm births alone exert a significant influence on neurodevelopment—a finding enabled by this analysis, as prior studies faced data limitations.” Professor Jang highlighted its value for public health policy, noting, “It delivers essential social and policy guidance for addressing preterm birth effects on child mental well-being.”
Publication and Broader Impact
The findings appear in the latest issue of BMC Medicine under the title “Utilizing nationwide birth mother-child cohort data and child mental disorder risk associations: Korean mother cohort study.”
This work, involving experts from institutions including Seoul National University Hospital, Sungsil University, and others such as Park Joon-bin, Jeong Bo-tong, Han Kyung-do, and Kim Jae-won, provides critical evidence for early interventions in at-risk populations.
