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Factors Associated with Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
Zainab Taha1, Ahmed Ali Hassan2, Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott1
1Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, UAE.
Insights
Preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) affect many infants globally. This study in Abu Dhabi found rates of 6.3% for preterm birth and 9.4% for LBW, identifying key associated maternal and infant factors.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Neonatology
Background:
- Preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) are significant global health concerns linked to increased infant morbidity and mortality.
- Limited data exist on the prevalence and associated factors of these adverse pregnancy outcomes in specific regions like Abu Dhabi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of preterm birth and LBW.
- To identify factors associated with preterm birth and LBW among mothers of children under two years in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1610 mother-child pairs in Abu Dhabi.
- Data collected from clinical and non-clinical settings across various geographical areas.
- Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential methods.
Main Results:
- The preterm birth rate was 6.3% (102/1610) and the LBW rate was 9.4% (151/1610).
- Factors associated with preterm birth included Arab ethnicity, maternal education below secondary level, caesarean section, and LBW.
- LBW was associated with female infants, caesarean section, first child order, and preterm birth.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the public health burden of preterm birth and LBW in Abu Dhabi.
- Interventional strategies focusing on reducing caesarean section rates and enhancing maternal education are recommended.
Abstract:
Both preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) represent major public health problems worldwide due to their association with the catastrophic effects of morbidity and mortality. Few data exist about such adverse pregnancy outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with preterm birth and LBW among mothers of children under two years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Data were collected in clinical and non-clinical settings across various geographical areas in Abu Dhabi. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 1610 mother-child pairs were included in the current study. Preterm birth rate was 102 (6.3%) with a 95% confidence interval [CI] (6.1%, 6.5%) and the LBW rate was 151 (9.4%) with a 95% CI (9.3%, 9.5%). The mean (SD) of gestational age (GA) and birth weight at delivery was 39.1 (1.9) weeks and 3080.3 (518.6) grams, respectively. Factors that were positively associated with preterm birth were Arab mothers, maternal education level below secondary, caesarean section, and LBW. LBW was associated with female children, caesarean section (CS), first child order, and preterm birth. The current study highlighted the need for further interventional research to tackle these public health issues such as reducing the high CS rate and improving maternal education.
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