Risk Factor Evaluation of Preterm Labour/ Births in Rural Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm Birth (PTB) is a major problem associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. In developing countries magnitude of the problem is much more. Aim: The present study was undertaken to find out the incidence of preterm labour/births, to evaluate different related risk factors and to assess the neonatal mortality in PTBs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a Maternal and Neonatal Units of Rural Teaching Hospital among all cases who delivered during study period of two months from mid-February 2019 to mid-April 2019. Probable maternal risk factors for preterm labour, neonatal clinical profile and risk factors for neonatal mortality were recorded. Frequencies and proportion of variables were computed. Results: The incidence of PTB/labour was 8.5%. Pregnancy duration of less than 34 weeks was observed in 35.6% mothers. It was observed that major factors contributing to PTBs were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, maternal medical illness/severe anaemia, Bad Obstetric History (BOH)/ previous preterm labour and Ante-Partum Haemorrhage (APH). Survival rate amongst preterm babies was 90.5%. Conclusion: The morbidity amongst newborns is mainly caused by PTB. The study found lower incidence of PTB as compared to previous studies conducted in this region. Many of the risk factors evaluated are modifiable. Risk factor modifications and timely interventions will help in the reduction of PTBs and associated mortality.