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Increase in preterm births in Brazil: review of population-based studies

Mariângela F Silveira1, Iná S Santos, Aluísio J D Barros

  • 1Departamento Materno-Infantil, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.

Revista De Saude Publica
|October 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Preterm delivery rates in Brazil show a rising trend, particularly from the 1990s. This trend, linked to infant mortality, requires further investigation and intervention planning.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Perinatal conditions are the leading cause of infant mortality in Brazil.
  • Preterm delivery is a major contributor to perinatal conditions and subsequent infant mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the trend and evolution of preterm delivery rates in Brazil.
  • To analyze regional variations in preterm birth prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of Medline and Lilacs databases for population-based studies on preterm delivery in Brazil.
  • Inclusion of studies from 1950 onwards, focusing on primary data and representative samples.
  • Analysis of 12 selected studies out of 71 initially found, excluding clinical trials and studies with specific complications.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of preterm delivery ranged from 3.4% to 15.0% in Southern and Southeastern regions (1978-2004).
  • A rising trend in preterm delivery was observed from the 1990s onwards in these regions.
  • Northeastern Brazil showed prevalences from 3.8% to 10.2% (1984-1998), also with an increasing trend.

Conclusions:

  • National live birth data do not align with the observed increasing trends in preterm delivery rates from reviewed studies.
  • Discrepancies exist between official data and study-based measurements of preterm birth rates.
  • Identifying causes for the rise in preterm birth and developing targeted interventions are crucial for reducing infant mortality in Brazil.
Abstract

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