Preterm delivery rate in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Preterm delivery is a critical public health indicator.
• Reliable statistics on preterm delivery rates in China are lacking.
• This study addresses the need for accurate data on preterm birth in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on preterm delivery rates in China.
• To explore potential sources of heterogeneity in reported rates.
• To estimate the overall preterm delivery rate in China.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CSTJD, Wanfang) and manual search for studies since 2010.
• Independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist.
• Random-effects meta-analysis and stratified analysis to estimate pooled rates and identify heterogeneity sources.

Main Results:

• 162 studies were included (124 hospital-based, 38 population-based).
• Hospital-based studies reported a higher pooled preterm delivery rate (7.2%) compared to population-based studies (4.9%).
• Population-based rates varied geographically: Eastern (5.3%), Central (4.6%), and Western (3.8%).

Conclusions:

• The preterm delivery rate in China is approximately 5% based on population-based studies.
• This rate is significantly lower than estimates derived from hospital-based studies.
• Methodological differences in study design impact preterm delivery rate estimations.