Risk Factors of Preterm Newborns in Al-Zahraa Hospital /Al Najaf Al Ashraf Province, Iraq 2017

Abstract

Background: Preterm is a major determinant of infant mortality and morbidity. It is generally recognized that the etiology of preterm is multifactorial. In Iraq the preterm birth rate in 2010 is generally 6, 5% and deaths due to preterm birth 9%. Objective: To determine the risk factors of preterm new-borns in Al Zahra Hospital. Methods: A case control study was conducted Between December 2016 - February 2017 in Al Zahra hospital. All preterm newborns and double number of healthy controls were included in this study. Basic demographics and epidemiological data gathered from all cases and controls by direct interviewing the mothers of newborns, to identify potential risk factors. To assess the strength of association the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of odds ratio was calculated. Results: The total number of cases was 97, about 62 (64%) of cases were females. Majority of mothers 40 (41%) were at age group 25-34 years and about 30 (41%) of mothers had incomplete antenatal visits. Significant risk factors identified during analysis included female gender [OR=2.31 (1.34-3.99)], Rh incompatibility [OR=3.04(1.33-6.91)], inadequate antenatal care [OR=2 (1.13-3.55)], antepartum hemorrhage [OR=3.37(1.60-6.95)], illiterate mothers [OR=1.87 (1.01-3.43)], History of LBW [OR=11.1(5.46-22.57)], rural residency [OR=2.31(1.34-3.99)], history of abortion [OR=2.50 (1.47-4.25)], birth interval< 2 years [OR=1.77(1.01-2.99)], and extended family [OR=2.08(1.18-3.76)] Conclusions: Many risks for preterm newborn can be identified before pregnancy occurs. Health education, socio-economic development, and increasing the use of health services during pregnancy were recommended.