Affiliation:
1. University of Manitoba
2. Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
3. Rady Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
4. Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Abstract
Abstract
Importance:
Data on the middle school outcomes of preterm children are limited and have methodologic issues.
Objective
To study the association between preterm birth and grade 7 school performance.
Methods
A retrospective population-based cohort study of children born in Manitoba, Canada between 1994–2006 using their grade 7 school performance data. A secondary sibling cohort was created comprising children born preterm and their full-term siblings. Primary exposure was preterm birth categorized as < 28, 28–33 and 34–36 weeks gestation. The two co-primary grade 7 outcome measures were: not meeting the mathematics competencies, and not meeting the student engagement competencies. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the association between preterm birth and both co-primary outcomes; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Results
7653 preterm (gestational age median [IQR]: 35 weeks [34,36]) and 110,313 term (40 [39,40]) were included. 43% of < 28 weeks, 18% of 28–33 weeks and 17% of 34–36 weeks had the mathematics co-primary outcome compared to 13% of term children. The corresponding % for the student engagement outcome were 42%, 24%, 24% and 24% respectively. Preterm birth was associated with the mathematics (34–36 weeks: 1.26, 1.16–1.35; 28–33 weeks: 1.47, 1.27–1.70; <28 weeks: 5.48, 3.89–7.70) and student engagement outcomes (34–36 weeks: 1.09, 1.01–1.16; 28–33 weeks: 1.21, 1.06–1.39; <28 weeks: 2.49, 1.76–3.51). However, there was no difference in outcomes among the sibling cohort.
Conclusions and Relevance:
Children born preterm had lower grade 7 performance compared to children born term in this population-based cohort. Screening and supports for them in their middle school years are warranted.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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