Risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth in a Saudi population

Preterm birth (< 37 weeks completed gestation), the primary predictor of infant morbidity and mortality, can result from diverse biologic and sociodemographic variables. A case-control study was undertaken to determine risk factors that were significantly associated with preterm birth in our population. Pertinent data were collected by structured interviews with eligible subjects and by medical record abstraction. The study population consisted of 118 mothers of singleton, preterm, appropriate for gestational age infants (cases) and 118 mothers of singleton, term, appropriate for gestational age infants (controls). A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that significant risk factors for preterm birth were first or second trimester vaginal bleeding during current pregnancy, a previous preterm birth, inadequate prenatal care, consanguinity, maternal body mass index of < 23, and short inter-pregnancy interval. Awareness of such risk factors is essential in planning public education programs and in considering appropriate perinatal care options for women at potentially higher risk for preterm delivery.