RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Psychological, cultural and neuroendocrine profiles of risk for preterm birth

Background: Preterm birth remains a major obstetrical problem and identification of risk factors for preterm birth continues to be a priority in providing adequate care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate risk profiles for preterm birth using psychological, cultural and neuroendocrine measures. Methods: From a cross sectional study of 515 Mexican American pregnant women at 22–24 weeks gestation, a latent profile analysis of risk for preterm birth using structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted. We determined accurate gestational age at delivery from the prenatal record and early ultrasounds. We also obtained demographic and prenatal data off of the chart, particularly for infections, obstetrical history, and medications. We measured depression (Beck Depression Inventory), mastery (Mastery scale), coping (The Brief Cope), and acculturation (Multidimensional Acculturation Scale) with reliable and valid instruments. We obtained maternal whole blood and separated it into plasma for radioimmunoassay of Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH). Delivery data was obtained from hospital medical records. Results: Using a latent profile analysis, three psychological risk profiles were identified. The “low risk ” profile had a 7.7 % preterm birth rate. The “moderate risk ” profile had a 12 % preterm birth rate. The “highest risk ” profile had a 15.85 % preterm birth rate. The highest risk profile had double the percentage of total infections compared to the low ris