Investigating the Prevalence of Preterm Birth in Iranian Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nasibeh Sharifi1, Somayyeh Khazaeian2, Reza Pakzad3

  • 1Departmant of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam Univesity of Medical Science, Ilam, Iran.

Insights

Preterm delivery affects 10% of births in Iran, varying by region. This systematic review highlights the need for interventions like improved pregnancy care to reduce complications from preterm birth.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preterm delivery is a significant global health issue.
  • Despite medical progress, preterm birth rates remain high worldwide.
  • Understanding regional prevalence in Iran is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis.
  • To determine the overall prevalence of preterm delivery in Iran.
  • To identify geographical variations in preterm birth rates within Iran.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies.
  • Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, etc.) for articles from 2000-2016.
  • Utilized random-effects model for data synthesis and STATA software for analysis.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of preterm delivery in Iran was estimated at 10% (95% CI, 9-12%).
  • Prevalence varied significantly across regions, with the lowest at 5.4% (Bam) and highest at 19.85% (Tehran).
  • No significant association found between preterm delivery prevalence and study year or sample size.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm delivery is a considerable public health concern in Iran.
  • Regional disparities in prevalence necessitate localized intervention strategies.
  • Enhanced prenatal care, life skills training, and self-care programs are recommended to mitigate adverse outcomes.

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