Prevalence and risk factors associated with preterm births in Neyshabur hospitals, Eastern Iran

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of preterm birth in many societies has raised concerns. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with preterm birth in hospitals in Neyshabur, Eastern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 273 neonates born before 37 weeks of gestational age between 2017 and 2019 in the educational hospitals of Neyshabur. The infants were included in the research through convenience sampling. The research tool consisted of items addressing issues related to both mothers and newborns. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive and analytical statistics, including chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: The rate of preterm birth in Neyshabur over the three-year period was 2.85%. Bicornuate uterus (1.83%) and cervical insufficiency (1.46%) were the most observed uterine factors, while umbilical cord prolapse (1.83%) and placental adhesion (1.46%) were the most prevalent placental factors. Moreover, breech presentation (10.98%) was the most common co-occurring fetal factor in preterm birth. A significant difference was found between the length of pregnancy and the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section) (P=0.003). Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of preterm birth in Neyshabur, it is recommended that mothers undergo periodic evaluations before and during pregnancy to identify and manage any accompanying problems or underlying conditions promptly.

Keywords

• premature birth
• parturition
• prevalence
• risk factors
• delivery
• obstetric