Socio-economic achievements of individuals born very preterm at the age of 27 to 29 years

摘要

However, over the last decade there are a number of outcome studies of preterm infants at adulthood that are fairly positive, using two different designs. The most common design is descriptive cohort studies with matched controls followed longitudinally, with meticulous efforts to gain compliance, administration of standardized tests and validated self-completed questionnaires, and access to databases collected prospectively.1,2 These studies are expensive and time-consuming, but provide accurate and valuable information on the severity of disabilities, functional abilities, emotional and behavioural concerns, and self-perception of quality of life. Although most studies show a somewhat lower rate of educational achievement, employment, independent living, dating, and sexual activity, the preterm group has also been reported to have decreased rates of risk-seeking behaviours than term controls.