Incidence and risk factors of prematurity in basrah, iraq

Abstract AR

Objectivs :This is a study of factors influencing prematurity at the Basrah Maternity Hospital.

Methods : This is a prospective case-control study, which was conducted over a 6-month period.

Infants considered suitable for the study were examined on the basis of the Dubowitz scoring method.

Those born as a result of induced labor or surgical delivery without prior labor were excluded.

Control infants were selected randomly.

Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine significance and the odds ratio test was used to compare risk factors in the two groups.

Result : During the study period 175/5674 deliveries were premature, giving an incidence of 3.1%.

Significant risk factors included maternal age of 30 years or older, nulliparity, low socioeconomic status, antepartum hemorrhage, cervical incompetence, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection, multiple pregnancy, and a history of previous preterm delivery.

Conclusion : The incidence rate of prematurity was unexpectedly low in comparison with other countries.

Further research is needed and should focus on known risk factors and others not included in this study such as genital tract infection, general morbidity, stress and anxiety, and antenatal care.