American Journal of Perinatology Reports (Jan 2020)

Population-Based Estimation of the Preterm Birth Rate in Lilongwe, Malawi: Making Every Birth Count

  • Kathleen M. Antony,
  • Peter N. Kazembe,
  • Ryan M. Pace,
  • Judy Levison,
  • Henry Phiri,
  • Grace Chiudzu,
  • Ronald Alan Harris,
  • Rose Chirwa,
  • Mary Nyondo,
  • Ellina Marko,
  • Andrew Chigayo,
  • Debora Nanthuru,
  • Bertha Banda,
  • Nicholas Twyman,
  • Susan M. Ramin,
  • Susan P. Raine,
  • Michael A. Belfort,
  • Kjersti M. Aagaard

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1708491
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 01
pp. e78 – e86

Abstract

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Objective The objective of this study was to perform a population-based estimation of the preterm birth (PTB) rate in regions surrounding Lilongwe, Malawi. Study Design We partnered with obstetrician specialists, community health workers, local midwives, and clinicians in a 50 km region surrounding Lilongwe, Malawi, to perform a population-based estimation of the PTB rate during the study period from December 1, 2012 to May 19, 2015. Results Of the 14,792 births captured, 19.3% of births were preterm, including preterm early neonatal deaths. Additional PTB risk factors were similarly prevalent including domestic violence, HIV, malaria, anemia, and malnutrition. Conclusion When performing a population-based estimation of the rate of PTB, including women without antenatal care and women delivering at home, the 19.3% rate of PTB is among the highest recorded globally. This is accompanied by a high rate of risk factors and comorbid conditions.

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