Study links premature birth to increased risk of early death into 30s

A new study in JAMA Network Open shows that premature birth increases the risk of early death, extending into a person's 30s. This highlights the need for both immediate and long-term care for preterm infants. The research analyzed nearly 5 million births in Canada from 1983 to 1996, finding that 6.9% were preterm. Those born prematurely faced higher mortality rates, especially in infancy and early adulthood, linked to various health disorders. India has the highest number of preterm births globally, with about 3.5 million each year. Other countries with significant rates include China, Nigeria, and Pakistan, indicating disparities in maternal and neonatal healthcare.