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Pre-term and post-term births: predictors and implications on neonatal mortality in Northern Ethiopia

Hayelom Gebrekirstos Mengesha1, Wondwossen Terefe Lerebo2, Abadi Kidanemariam3

  • 1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigirat, Ethiopia.

BMC Nursing
|August 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Pre-term births significantly increase neonatal mortality risk, while post-term births do not. Identifying socioeconomic and maternal health factors can help prevent these adverse birth outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pre-term and post-term births are significant contributors to neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing nations.
  • Understanding the causes and impact of these birth outcomes is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and identify risk factors for pre-term and post-term births in Ethiopia.
  • To examine the association between pre-term and post-term births and neonatal mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study involving 1152 live births in seven hospitals in Ethiopia.
  • Data collected via structured questionnaires and weekly neonatal follow-ups.
  • Statistical analyses included multinomial and binary logistic regression to identify predictors.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of pre-term birth was 8.1% and post-term birth was 6.0%.
  • Maternal underweight BMI, medium income, shorter neonate length, and multiple births were linked to pre-term birth.
  • Maternal overweight BMI, high income, and non-married marital status predicted post-term birth.
  • Pre-term birth was an independent predictor of neonatal mortality (RR: 2.45).

Conclusions:

  • Socioeconomic factors and maternal health indicators are key predictors of pre-term and post-term births.
  • Recommendations include empowering women economically, maintaining normal BMI, and enhancing antenatal care for high-risk mothers.
  • Early detection and close monitoring during pregnancy are vital for preventing adverse birth outcomes.
Abstract

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