Factors associated with preterm births among postnatal mothers at Soroti regional referral hospital, eastern Uganda.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of death in neonates and a contributor to the under 5-year mortality. In Uganda, there is limited data outside of the capital city Kampala appraising occurrence and factors responsible for prematurity. We studied the prevalence and risk factors associated with preterm birth in Eastern Uganda. METHOD: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a regional referral hospital in Eastern Uganda. We used questionnaire through which we captured data on maternal sociodemographic features, and obstetrical causes. In addition, we employed chart review for corresponding medical records on maternal gestation age, date of birth, and birth weight of the baby. In total, 350 mothers – baby pairs were studied. Ethical approval was obtained from the Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (MRRH-REC). RESULTS: Prevalence of preterm birth at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital was 24.6% (86/350). Factors associated with preterm birth included fewer than 3 antenatal attendances (aOR=3.115, 95% CI [1.659-5.849], P=0.038), twin gestation (aOR=6.973, 95% CI [1.12843.097], P=0.016), antepartum hemorrhage (aOR=4.743, 95% CI [806-12.458], P<0.001) and PPROM (aOR=18.902, 95% CI [7.267-49.167], P<0.001). Maternal Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement 24cm and above, was a protective factor against preterm birth (aOR=0.155, 95% CI [0.0686-0.352], P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preterm births in Eastern Uganda were commonly associated with poor maternal nutritional status and obstetric factors.

Key words Preterm, gestational age, risk factors, pregnancy, and Prevalence