Mental health, pain and tiredness in adults born very preterm or with very low birthweight
Hollund, Ingrid Marie Husby; Aakvik, Kristina Anna Djupvik; Benum, Silje Dahl; Ingvaldsen, Sigrid Hegna; Lydersen, Stian; Tikanmäki, Marjaana; Hovi, Petteri; Räikkönen, Katri; Kajantie, Eero Olavi; Johnson, Samantha; Marlow, Neil; Baumann, Nicole; Wolke, Dieter; Indredavik, Marit Sæbø; Evensen, Kari Anne Indredavik
Peer reviewed, Journal article
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Date
2023Metadata
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Abstract
Aim: Adults born preterm have increased risk of mental health problems and other
neurodevelopmental conditions. We aimed to investigate associations of mental
health with pain and tiredness in adults born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks) or very
low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) and at term, and whether these associations are
influenced by physical activity.
Methods: As part of an EU Horizon 2020 project, individual participant data from six
prospective cohort studies were harmonised for 617 VP/VLBW and 1122 term-born
participants. Mental health was assessed by the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment Adult Self-Report. Pain and tiredness were harmonised based on
specific items from self-reported questionnaires. Associations between mental health
and pain or tiredness were explored by linear regression.
Results: An increase in the mental health scales internalising, externalising and total
problems was associated with increased pain and tiredness in the preterm and term
group alike. Results were maintained when adjusting for physical activity.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that associations between mental health, pain
and tiredness in adults are independent of gestation or birthweight. Future research
should explore other potential mechanisms that may underlie the increased risk of
mental health problems in the preterm population.