Factors associated with premature birth: a case-control study

Rev Paul Pediatr. 2022 May 6:40:e2020486. doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2020486IN. eCollection 2022.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the socioeconomic, demographic, environmental, reproductive, behavioral, and health-care factors associated with preterm birth.

Methods: Case-control study, with case group composed of preterm infants and the control group by full term live births. Each case was paired with two controls according to sex and date of birth. Interviews were carried out with the mothers, as well as analysis of medical records. A logistic regression model was used for data analysis following the hierarchical order of entry of the blocks.

Results: 221 live births were allocated in the case group and 442 in the control group. After analysis adjusted for other factors under study, the highest chances of prematurity were associated with being the first child (OR 1.96; 95%CI 1.34-2.86; p=0.001); mothers with the highest income (OR 2.08; 95%CI 1.41-3.08; p<0.001), mothers with previous preterm births (OR 3.98; 95%CI 2.04-7.79; p<0.001), mothers that suffered violence during pregnancy (OR 2.50; 95%CI 1.31-4.78; p=0.005) and underwent cesarean section (OR 2.35; 95%CI 1.63-3.38; p<0.001). Live births to mothers who had more than six prenatal consultations had a lower risk of prematurity (OR 0.39; 95%CI 0.26-0.58; p<0.001).

Conclusions: The factors associated with a higher chance of prematurity were: higher family income, previous preterm child, primiparity, violence against pregnant women and cesarean section. Having attended more than six prenatal visits was associated with a lower chance of premature birth. Violence against pregnant women showed a strong and consistent association, remaining in all final models, and should serve as an alert for the population and professionals.

Objetivo:: Analisar os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos, ambientais, reprodutivos, comportamentais e de assistência à saúde associados à prematuridade.

Métodos:: Estudo caso-controle, sendo o grupo caso composto de prematuros e o grupo controle, de nascidos vivos a termo. Cada caso foi pareado com dois controles, de acordo com o sexo e a data de nascimento. Foram realizadas entrevistas com as puérperas e análise de prontuários. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada regressão logística, seguindo a ordem hierárquica de entrada dos blocos.

Resultados:: Participaram 221 nascidos vivos no grupo caso e 442 no grupo controle. Após análise ajustada para os demais fatores em estudo, as maiores chances de prematuridade foram associadas aos primeiros filhos (RC 1,96; IC95% 1,34–2,86; p=0,001), cujas mães possuíam maior renda (RC 2,08; IC95% 1,41–3,08; p<0,001), tiveram filho prematuro prévio (RC 3,98; IC95% 2,04–7,79; p<0,001), sofreram violência durante a gestação (RC 2,50; IC95% 1,31–4,78; p=0,005) e realizaram cesariana (RC 2,35; IC95% 1,63–3,38; p<0,001). Os nascidos vivos de mães que realizaram mais de seis consultas de pré-natal apresentaram menor chance de ser prematuros (RC 0,39; IC95% 0,26–0,58; p<0,001).

Conclusões:: Os fatores associados à maior chance de prematuridade foram: maior renda familiar, filho prematuro prévio, primiparidade, violência contra a gestante e cesariana. Ter realizado mais de seis consultas de pré-natal foi associado à menor chance de nascimento prematuro. A violência contra a gestante apresentou associação forte e consistente, permanecendo em todos os modelos finais, devendo servir de alerta para a população e os profissionais.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Premature Birth* / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors