Social representations of premature birth from the perspective of individuals born preterm in the 1990s

Abstract

Introduction. Prematurity is a public health problem that calls to focus on its causes and consequences through a trans disciplinary approach. There are no studies analyzing premature birth from the perspective of individuals born preterm. Objective. To identify social representations associated with premature birth of individuals born preterm in the 1990s in Argentina. Population and Methods. Twelve focus groups were conducted with individuals born preterm with a birth weight ≤1500 g assisted at tertiary care facilities between 1990 and 1995. Focus group contents were analyzed based on the social representation theory. Results. Fifty-nine adolescents and youth participated; their median age was 18.5 ± 2.3 years old. Based on the analysis of focus groups, six core themes were developed: life experience, parents' memories and experiences, overprotection, body, education, relationship with the medical practice and knowledge. Conclusions. The methodology used allowed to create a space for mutual recognition and reflection for participants. Prematurity is a significant element, especially in those who suffered major sequelae. Adolescents and youth give a warning on the negative effects caused by overprotective parents and reveal the possibility of redefining the challenges associated with their history of premature birth.