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Premature birth, while a medical triumph in survival, carries with it unique and long-lasting challenges. A major Nordic study led by Professor Kari Risnes at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has found that women born prematurely are significantly more likely to die by suicide than those born at full term.
The study, which analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals aged 15 to 50 in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, uncovered a surprising and concerning trend: women born between 7 to 17 weeks prematurely have an 80% higher risk of dying by suicide compared to their full-term counterparts. This heightened risk was not observed in prematurely born men, which challenges the typical understanding of suicide rates, where men are generally more vulnerable.
“We don’t know why prematurely born women are at almost the same level of suicide risk as men, but the data is clear,” said Professor Risnes, an expert in pediatric epidemiology. “We were very surprised to see this pattern, and we’ve double-checked to ensure the findings are reliable.”
While men typically have a higher risk of violent deaths, including suicide, the study revealed that women born prematurely have suicide rates comparable to those of men in the general population, defying the norm. “The day we saw these girls right up here at the top of the graphs together with the boys, we were surprised,” Risnes remarked.
The study’s findings indicate that individuals born prematurely often carry what Professor Risnes describes as “extra baggage,” including mental health struggles, social challenges, and increased vulnerability to diseases. Although many prematurely born individuals thrive, these underlying risks persist throughout their lives.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted differences between Nordic countries. In Sweden, young women born prematurely have suicide rates similar to men, while in Denmark, premature birth was associated with lower suicide rates. In Finland, prematurely born men showed a higher susceptibility to fatal road traffic accidents and deaths due to substance abuse, further suggesting that cultural, healthcare, and societal factors may influence outcomes.
The study’s revelations underscore the need for better support and follow-up for prematurely born individuals, particularly as they transition into adulthood. Despite improvements in neonatal care and survival rates—more than 80% of babies born at 28 weeks or later survive—many prematurely born individuals face ongoing challenges in their health and social integration.
Current guidelines in Norway for the follow-up of premature infants only extend to children up to the age of five, but as Risnes notes, the challenges often become more pronounced once these children reach school age. “That’s when parents feel they need support the most,” she said.
The researchers stress the importance of early detection of vulnerabilities and ensuring appropriate support throughout life. As medical advancements continue to improve survival rates, it is essential that society provides these individuals with the tools and support needed to thrive.
The findings of the study, which were published in BMC Medicine, emphasize the need for updated guidelines and a deeper investigation into the factors contributing to the higher suicide risk in prematurely born women. Further research is necessary to understand why this group is more vulnerable and to develop strategies for intervention that could mitigate this risk.
Professor Risnes hopes the research will lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of the unique challenges faced by prematurely born individuals. “We all have strengths and vulnerabilities. It’s important for society to understand that people are different and to support one another accordingly,” she said.
