People born prematurely more likely to grow to be poor?

This study was  published online by the journal JAMA Pediatrics, included 100 extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) survivors and 89 normal-birth-weight control participants for comparison.

It claimed that people born prematurely are more likely to grow up to be poor - in terms of both wealth and well-being.

And that they were also more likely to have lower incomes, be single and report more chronic health conditions than their normal-birth-weight-term counterparts.

The researchers said the first generation of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature babies - weighing less than 1kg (2.2 lbs) - who were born after the introduction of neonatal intensive care has now survived into their 40s.

One of the researchers, Dr Saroj Saigal, of McMaster University in Canada, compared the functioning of adults aged 29 to 36 who were ELBW with adults who are born at normal weight at term.

While the groups were similar on the highest educational level achieved - or in family and partner relationships - the findings showed there were differences in other areas.

ELBW survivors as adults were seen to be less likely to be employed, more likely to earn less money, less likely to marry, have not had sex and fewer had children.

Those born prematurely were also seen to have lower self esteem.

Dr Saigal said: 'Overall, the majority of extremely premature adults are living independently and contributing well to society.

'It is difficult to predict what the future will hold for these ELBW adults as they reach middle age in terms of their employment, income, family and partner relationships, and quality of life.

'It is therefore essential that these individuals receive necessary support and continued monitoring.'