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Investigating the factors associated with preterm birth using evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort: a

Cristal Salatas1, Matt Hobbs2, Frank H Bloomfield1

  • 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Health & Place
|December 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Maternal nutrition and geographic location impact preterm birth risk. Poor adherence to dietary guidelines, high intake of junk food, and rural living increase odds, while specific guideline adherence may reduce risk.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal Health
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant public health issue with complex origins.
  • Modifiable factors like nutrition and environment offer intervention targets.
  • This study investigated PTB risk factors in New Zealand women.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine associations between sociodemographic, nutritional, and environmental factors and PTB.
  • To identify specific dietary patterns and supplement use linked to PTB.
  • To explore the role of geographic location on PTB risk.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 6822 mothers in the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort (2009-2010).
  • Assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to NZ food guidelines, dietary patterns, micronutrient supplementation, and the Healthy Location Index (HLI).
  • Application of logistic and multilevel models using RStudio.

Main Results:

  • PTB occurred in 6.6% of 6667 births.
  • Non-adherence to breads and cereals guidelines reduced PTB odds (OR=0.64).
  • A 'Junk' dietary pattern (OR=1.28), not taking iron supplements post-first trimester (OR=1.46), and rural residence with moderate urban influence (OR=2.44) increased PTB odds. Sociodemographic factors showed no significant associations. HLI was not significantly associated with PTB.

Conclusions:

  • Adherence to specific food groups (breads and cereals) and avoiding junk food patterns are crucial.
  • Adequate iron supplementation after the first trimester is important for reducing PTB risk.
  • Rural living with moderate urban influence is associated with increased PTB odds, highlighting geographic disparities.
Abstract

Keywords:
DietEnvironmentNew ZealandNutritionPreterm birthSociodemographic

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