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The effect of health compromising behaviors on preterm births

Paul C Dew1, V James Guillory, Felix A Okah

  • 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, 1750 Independence Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64106, USA. pdew@kcumb.edu

Maternal and Child Health Journal
|December 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Combining smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use during pregnancy significantly increases preterm birth rates. Addressing these behaviors simultaneously is crucial for reducing preterm births.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Maternal health behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use, are known risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, necessitating research into its contributing factors.
  • The combined effects of multiple substance use during pregnancy on preterm birth risk are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the combined effects of smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use during pregnancy on the incidence of preterm births.
  • To quantify the magnitude of the association between combined substance use and preterm birth, adjusting for potential confounders.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study design was employed, analyzing singleton live births in Kansas City, Missouri, between 1990 and 2002.
  • Health-compromising behaviors were defined as the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for preterm birth risk associated with individual and combined substance use.

Main Results:

  • Infants born to women who smoked had a 13% preterm birth rate, compared to 9.6% for non-smokers.
  • Alcohol use during pregnancy was associated with a 17.3% preterm birth rate, versus 10.1% for non-drinkers.
  • Combined use of all three substances (smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs) showed the highest preterm birth rate at 31.4%.

Conclusions:

  • Engaging in health-compromising behaviors during pregnancy is linked to a higher proportion of preterm births.
  • Significant interaction exists between smoking, alcohol, and drug use, resulting in preterm birth rates higher than their additive effects.
  • Comprehensive strategies addressing simultaneous smoking, drinking, and drug use are essential for reducing preterm birth rates.
Abstract

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