Preterm or early birth, defined as the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation, is a major public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preterm birth affects approximately 15 million babies annually worldwide.

In the United States, preterm birth affects about 1 in 10 babies.

Preterm birth can lead to a range of health problems, both short term and long term. Some common short-term health problems associated with preterm birth include respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, and low birth weight.

Long-term health problems associated with preterm birth include developmental delays, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and other neurological and behavioral disorders.

Reduced school performance

One long-term health problem associated with preterm birth that often goes unnoticed is the impact on school performance.

Preterm birth, and its associated health problems, can have a lasting effect on a child’s cognitive abilities, and therefore, their ability to learn and succeed in school.

Several studies have shown that preterm birth is associated with reduced school performance, as measured by standardized tests and academic achievement.

These studies have found that preterm children are more likely to have learning disabilities, be held back a grade, or drop out of school compared to their full-term peers.

Studying the impact of early birth on school performance

The impact of preterm birth on school performance has been studied extensively in recent years.

Researchers have used a variety of methods to assess the academic performance of preterm children, including teacher assessments, standardized tests, and school records.

One such study, published in Pediatrics, followed a group of children who were born prematurely and assessed their academic performance throughout their school years.

The study found that preterm children had lower overall academic achievement than their full-term peers, even after controlling for important factors such as socioeconomic status and maternal education level.

Factors that may influence the impact of preterm birth on school performance

While preterm birth is a risk factor for reduced school performance, not all preterm children will experience academic difficulties.

Researchers have identified several factors that may influence the impact of preterm birth on school performance, including:.

Gestational age at birth: Studies have shown that the closer a child is born to full term, the less impact preterm birth will have on their school performance.
Birth weight: Low birth weight has been linked to reduced cognitive abilities and poorer school performance.
Health complications during the neonatal period: Complications such as respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis can have lasting effects on a child’s cognitive development.
Family and environmental factors: Family factors such as parental education level and income, as well as environmental factors such as the quality of early childhood education, can influence a child’s school performance beyond the impact of preterm birth alone.

Strategies for improving school performance in preterm children

While preterm birth is a risk factor for reduced school performance, there are several strategies that can help preterm children succeed academically. Some strategies that have been shown to be effective include:.

Early intervention: Early intervention programs, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, can help preterm children overcome developmental delays and improve their academic performance.
Individualized education plans (IEPs): An IEP is a plan designed specifically for a child with special needs, outlining accommodations and modifications that can help them succeed academically.
High-quality early education: Studies have shown that high-quality early education can help preterm children overcome the effects of preterm birth on their cognitive development and improve their school performance.
Early intervention and treatment for health complications: Early identification and treatment of health complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis, can help minimize the impact on cognitive development.

Conclusion

Preterm birth is a significant public health issue that affects millions of babies worldwide.

In addition to the short-term health problems associated with preterm birth, such as respiratory distress syndrome and jaundice, preterm birth can have lasting effects on a child’s cognitive development and school performance. While not all preterm children will experience academic difficulties, those who do may benefit from early intervention, individualized education plans, high-quality early education, and early intervention and treatment of health complications.