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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
A Worldwide Epidemic: The Problem and Challenges of Preterm Birth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Marcela C Smid1, Elizabeth M Stringer1, Jeffrey S A Stringer2
1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Insights
Preterm birth (PTB) is a major global health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). More research is urgently needed from LMIC populations to prevent and treat PTB effectively.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality globally.
- Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately bear the burden of PTB, with significant lifelong disability for survivors.
- An estimated 1 million preterm infants die annually, highlighting an urgent global health crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the global burden of preterm birth (PTB).
- To examine risk factors and predisposing clinical conditions for PTB in LMICs.
- To discuss current interventions for PTB prevention and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review exploring global PTB burden.
- Analysis of risk factors and clinical conditions in LMICs.
- Examination of existing PTB interventions.
Main Results:
- LMICs shoulder the majority of the global PTB disease burden.
- Limited research evidence for PTB prevention and treatment originates from LMIC settings.
- A significant gap exists in LMIC-specific research for PTB.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for primary research and implementation studies involving LMIC populations.
- Addressing the PTB crisis requires context-specific evidence from LMICs.
- Increased research investment in LMICs is critical for reducing PTB mortality and morbidity.
Abstract:
Preterm birth (PTB) is the most common cause of neonatal death worldwide and the second leading cause of under-5 mortality. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of this disease. An estimated 1 million preterm infants die in the neonatal period each year and many of those who survive face lifelong disability. In this review, we explore the global burden of PTB through an examination of risk factors and predisposing clinical conditions found in LMICs. We then discuss current interventions available to prevent PTB and/or mitigate its clinical sequelae. A major finding of this review is that although the majority of the global PTB disease burden is shouldered by LMICs, very little of the research evidence for its prevention and treatment derives from these settings. Primary research and implementation studies that involve LMIC populations are urgently needed.
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