Neighborhood deprivation and preterm birth in Plymouth, UK

To assess the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and the preterm birth rate in Plymouth, UK, using routinely collected data from a clinical information system.

We used a clinic-based prospective case register study of all births in Plymouth UK between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1997 combined with indices of neighborhood deprivation to assess the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and the preterm birth rate. Areas (n = 43) were classified according to the Townsend index, measuring material deprivation. Preterm births were compared with term births.

The incidence of singleton preterm birth was 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6, 6.0). The singleton preterm birth rate increased with Townsend material deprivation score. Crude rates increased by 31% (relative risk (RR) (95% CI) 1.31 (0.94, 1.84), p = 0.056) among those living in the most deprived areas compared to those living in the least deprived areas. A stepwise binary logistic regression model showed an increase in the relative risk of preterm birth of 7% for every unit increase in the Townsend material deprivation score (RR (95% CI) 1.07 (1.03, 1.11)).

Neighborhood deprivation is related to preterm birth. Examining individual and neighborhood factors together may increase understanding of the complex causes of preterm birth.