Work

The association of preterm birth and small for gestational age with recurrent multisite musculoskeletal pain during early and middle adulthood — The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a leading cause of disability and commonly affects multiple locations. Identifying early-life risk factors could enable targeted prevention of multisite MSK pain. This study investigated associations of preterm birth (<37 weeks) and small for gestational age (SGA) with recurrent multisite MSK pain during early and middle adulthood. Participants in the NFBC1966 were prospectively followed from gestation to 46 years. Exposure data were based on delivery records; the outcome was self-reported. Multinomial logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) both unadjusted and adjusted [a] for sex, maternal age at birth, pregnancy disorder, maternal smoking, family socioeconomic status, and parity. Among participants, 12 % born prematurely and 16 % born at term reported recurrent multisite MSK pain between 31 and 46 years (aOR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.43–1.46). Using continuous gestational age, a statistically significant association was observed (aOR 1.07, 95 % CI 1.00–1.14). SGA showed no association (aOR 0.94, 95 % CI 0.84–1.04). No associations were found for onset or resolved multisite MSK pain. Preterm birth and SGA were not negatively associated with adult multisite MSK pain. A protective association appeared with continuous gestational age, but small sample sizes warrant cautious interpretation. • Population-based study on perinatal factors and recurrent multisite MSK pain. • Preterm birth or small for gestational age did not associate with the outcome. • A protective association appeared with continuous gestational age, but small sample sizes warrant cautious interpretation. • Preterm birth or SGA is unlikely to predict multisite MSK pain in adulthood. • Perinatal factors related to MSK pain need, however, further research.

Source: Annals of Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2025.09.011

Authors: Sandra-Sofia Nieminen, Jaro Karppinen, Eero Kajantie, Paulo Ferreira, Eveliina Heikkala

Institutions: Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Birth, Development, and Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,820