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.

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
z Scores and Area Under the Curve01:17

z Scores and Area Under the Curve

z scores are the standardized values obtained after converting a normal distribution into a standard normal distribution. A z score is measured in units of the standard deviation. The z score tells you how many standard deviations the value x is above (to the right of) or below (to the left of) the mean, μ. Values of x that are larger than the mean have positive z scores, and values of x that are smaller than the mean have negative z scores. If x equals the mean, then x has a z score of zero.
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...