Gratitude, fragility and strength: Perspectives of adults born preterm about prematurity

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore how young adults thought that being born preterm had affected their lives.Methods: Adult participants of a research cohort were questioned about their perspectives. Answers were analysed using mixed methods.Results: Forty-five participants evaluated their health at median score of 8/10. When asked about the meaning of being born preterm, 65% had positive self-centred answers, invoking two main themes: being stronger/'a fighter'/more resilient and being a survivor/chosen; 42% also reported negative themes, such as having health problems and a difficult start. All heard about their prematurity from their parents, 55% with positive child-centred or healthcare system-centred themes, 19% with neutral themes; 35% also heard negative parent-centred themes (tragic experience, guilt, mother's health). When asked which words were associated with prematurity, participants mainly chose positive words for themselves and their family, but more negative words for how the media and society depicted prematurity. Answers were not correlated with adverse objective health measures.Conclusion: Participants evaluated their health in a balanced fashion. Preterm-born adults often feel that they have experienced positive transformations as a result of their traumatic start. They often have feelings of gratitude and strength, independent of health problems.