Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Brazilian multicentre study on preterm birth (EMIP): prevalence and factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth
Renato Passini1, Jose G Cecatti2, Giuliane J Lajos1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
Insights
Preterm birth is a growing global concern. This study found a high prevalence in Brazil, with spontaneous preterm births being the most common, highlighting the need to understand associated risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
- Public Health
Background:
- The global incidence of preterm birth is rising, posing a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding regional variations and risk factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of preterm birth in Brazilian health facilities.
- To identify key risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm births.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter cross-sectional study involving 20 referral obstetric hospitals.
- Case-control analysis comparing spontaneous preterm births with term births.
- Data collection via questionnaires and medical records up to 60 days post-delivery.
Main Results:
- Overall preterm birth prevalence was 12.3%, with 64.6% being spontaneous.
- Identified risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth include previous preterm birth, multiple pregnancy, cervical insufficiency, fetal malformation, polyhydramnios, vaginal bleeding, and prior abortion.
- High BMI and gestational weight gain were found to be protective.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a high preterm birth rate in the studied Brazilian facilities, with spontaneous births predominating.
- Identifying and addressing risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth is essential for reducing its increasing incidence.
Background:
Preterm birth rate is increasing and is currently a worldwide concern. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of preterm birth in a sample of health facilities in Brazil and to identify the main risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm births.
Methods And Findings:
This was a multicentre cross sectional study on preterm births in 20 referral obstetric hospitals with a case-control component to identify factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Surveillance was implemented at all centres to identify preterm births. For eligible consenting women, data were collected through a post-delivery questionnaire completed with information from all mother-newborn medical records until death or discharge or at a maximum of 60 days post-delivery, whichever came first. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth was estimated with OR and 95%CI for several predictors. A non-conditional logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify independently associated factors. The overall prevalence of preterm birth was 12.3%. Among them, 64.6% were spontaneous and 35.4% therapeutic. In the case-control component, 2,682 spontaneous preterm births were compared to a sample of 1,146 term births. Multivariate analyses identified the following as risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth among women with at least one previous birth: a previous preterm birth (ORadj = 3.19, 2.30-4.43), multiple pregnancy (ORadj = 29.06, 8.43-100.2), cervical insufficiency (ORadj = 2.93, 1.07-8.05), foetal malformation (ORadj = 2.63, 1.43-4.85), polyhydramnios (ORadj = 2.30, 1.17-4.54), vaginal bleeding (ORadj = 2.16, 1.50-3.11), and previous abortion (ORadj = 1.39, 1.08-1.78). High BMI (ORadj = 0.94, 0.91-0.97) and weight gain during gestation (ORadj = 0.92, 0.89-0.95) were found to be protective factors.
Conclusions:
The preterm birth rate in these health facilities in Brazil is high and spontaneous preterm births account for two thirds of them. A better understanding of the factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth is of utmost importance for planning effective measures to reduce the burden of its increasing rates.
Related Concept Videos
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Development of Human Microbiota
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...

