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Risk factors for preterm birth in five Maternal and Child Health hospitals in Beijing

Yun-Ping Zhang1, Xiao-Hong Liu, Su-Hong Gao

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, China. ypzhang7090@yahoo.com.cn

Plos One
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth is linked to obesity, stress, and certain medical conditions. Prenatal care and a balanced diet significantly reduce the risk of preterm delivery in China.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth (before 37 weeks) is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity.
  • Risk factors for preterm birth are well-researched in developed nations but less understood in developing countries like China.
  • This study focuses on identifying preterm birth determinants in Beijing, China.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between sociodemographic data, obstetric risk factors, and preterm birth.
  • To identify independent risk factors and protective factors for preterm birth in the Chinese population.
  • To provide evidence for informing local health and education policies.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 1391 women with preterm birth and 1391 women with term delivery.
  • Data collected through interviews within 48 hours of delivery.
  • Statistical analysis using univariate and logistic regression to identify significant factors.

Main Results:

  • Obesity, stressful life events, sexual activity, placenta previa, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, prior preterm birth, and reproductive abnormalities were identified as independent risk factors.
  • Living in urban areas, balanced diet, and receiving prenatal care were associated with a reduced likelihood of preterm birth.
  • Inter-pregnancy interval and inherited diseases were not found to be risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Several key factors significantly increase the risk of preterm birth, including obesity, stress, and specific obstetric complications.
  • Protective factors such as prenatal care and a balanced diet are crucial for reducing preterm birth rates.
  • Findings can guide the development of targeted interventions and public health strategies in China.
Abstract

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