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Published on: January 12, 2018
[Epidemiology and risk factors for preterm births in north-western Algeria]
Nabila Heroual1,2, Nacera Boukfoussa1, Leila Houti2
1Centre Hospitalo-universitaire d´Oran, Oran, Algérie.
Insights
Preterm birth rates in Oran, Algeria, were 9.9%, with risk factors including premature labor, lack of prenatal care, and gestational hypertension. These findings align with regional trends and inform national perinatal programs.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality and neurodevelopmental issues globally.
- Rising preterm birth rates are a significant concern, particularly in Algeria.
- Understanding local frequencies and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of preterm births in Oran Wilaya, Algeria.
- To identify key risk factors associated with preterm birth in this region.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in public maternity hospitals in Oran Wilaya.
- Data included demographic, medical, and socio-behavioral factors of mothers with live or stillborn infants (≥500g) from 24-36 weeks of gestation.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of prematurity.
Main Results:
- The preterm birth rate was 9.9% (45/452).
- Identified risk factors for preterm birth included the risk of premature labor (aOR=4.68), lack of clinical pregnancy monitoring (OR=2.83), and gestational hypertension (aOR=3.69).
- The average patient age was 30.4±6 years, with multiple pregnancies accounting for 2.2% of births.
Conclusions:
- The observed preterm birth rate is consistent with neighboring countries.
- Predictive factors identified can inform existing national perinatal programs.
- Continued efforts are needed to enhance pregnancy monitoring and management of preterm births across all care levels.
Introduction:
preterm births continue to be the main cause of infant and child mortality as well as sensory-motor disabilities and neurodevelopmental difficulties worldwide. The rate of preterm births has been rising, in particular in Algeria. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of preterm births in the Oran Wilaya and to identify risk factors.
Methods:
we used data from a multicentre cross-sectional study carried out in all Public Maternity Hospitals in the Oran Wilaya (13). The study included parturient women who had given birth to a live and/or stillborn child (with birthweights ≥500 g), whose gestational age was greater than or equal to 24-36 weeks of amenorrhoea. Mothers´ demographic, medical and socio-behavioural factors were recorded. Logistic regression was used to study predictors of prematurity.
Results:
preterm birth rate was 9.9% (45/452). The average age of patients was 30.4±6 years; multiple pregnancies accounted for 2.2% of births. Factors related to prematurity were the risk of premature labour (aOR=4.68; 95% CI: 2.27-9.64), the lack of clinical monitoring of pregnancy (OR=2.83; CI 95%: 1.83-6.05) and gestational hypertension (aOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.83-8.8).
Conclusion:
the rate of preterm births is in line with the rate observed in neighbouring countries. The study identified predictive factors, some of which are already targeted by the national perinatal program. However, it is essential to continue to lead efforts to improve the monitoring and management of pregnancies and premature births at all levels of care.
