An interpretive perspective on the childhood experiences of individuals born preterm: A meta-ethnographic synthesis.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to understand the childhood experiences of individuals born preterm by examining qualitative studies within an interpretive and comparative framework.

Method: To develop a synthesis that interpretively integrates the subjective experiences of individuals born prematurely, search were conducted in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and EMBASE databases, yielding 2433 studies. Following screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were included in the meta-ethnography.

Results: The analyses identified six themes reflecting the experiences of individuals born preterm from childhood through adulthood. These themes were: (1) family dynamics and interactions, (2) growing up with a fragile body, (3) falling behind in school and academic burden, (4) social exclusion, bullying, and the experience of being different, (5) a crisis of self-esteem and emotional burden, and (6) resilience and protective experiences.

Discussion: These themes demonstrate that prematurity is experienced not merely as a medical event or an overcome challange, but as a multifaceted experience involving difficulties, identity formation, and resilience processes that become visible in specific domains and across different stages of life. Our findings indicate that individuals born preterm may experience academic, social, psychological, and health-related challenges, and that prematurity may shape their development. In this context, comprehensive and lifelong supportive approaches beginning at birth are recommended.