Preterm Birth Linked to Lower High School Graduation Rates

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by the University of Manitoba has discovered a correlation between preterm birth and lower high school graduation rates in a population-based cohort study. The study analyzed a sample of 260,561 adolescents, finding that those born extremely or very-moderate preterm had lower graduation rates compared to those born at term. This association was tested using a logistic regression model, which revealed a significant link between preterm birth and the outcome.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to evaluate the association between preterm birth and high school graduation rates among adolescents in a Canadian population-based cohort.
  • The research defined high school graduation as completion of 30 course credits in grades 9-12 without needing a modified course or individualized education plan (IEP) and finishing high school within 4 years of entering grade 9.
  • The study included 260,561 eligible adolescents, with 9846 (3.8%) born preterm.
  • Adolescents born extremely and very-moderate preterm had lower high school graduation rates compared to those born term.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Early Human Development journal.
  • Authors include Deepak Louis, Ava Nykiforuk, Sapna Oberoi, Monica Sirski, Ruben Alvaro, Mary Seshia M, Diane Moddemann, Lisa M. Lix, Chelsea Ruth, and Allan Garland.

Statistics:

  • 260,561 adolescents were included in the study.
  • 9846 (3.8%) were born preterm.
  • 2015 (5.7%) were born extremely preterm.
  • Adolescents born extremely and very-moderate preterm had a lower high school graduation rate compared to those born term.
  • The odds ratio for high school graduation among adolescents born extremely preterm was 0.91 (95% CI 0.83-0.99).

Sources:

  • High school graduation among adolescents born preterm: A Canadian population-based cohort study. Early Human Development, 2025;211:106404.
  • Early Human Development can be contacted at: Elsevier Ireland Ltd, Elsevier House, Brookvale Plaza, East Park Shannon, Co, Clare, 00000, Ireland.
  • (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Early Human Development - www.journals.elsevier.com/early-human-development/).
  • NewsRx. New Science Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at University of Manitoba (High school graduation among adolescents born preterm: A Canadian population-based cohort study). Education Letter. October 22, 2025; p 392.