Incidence, risk factors and consequences of preterm birth - findings from a multi-centric observational study for 14 months in Nepal

Background Preterm birth is a worldwide epidemic and a leading cause of neonatal mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and consequences of preterm birth in Nepal. Methods This was an observational study conducted in 12 public hospitals of Nepal. All the babies born during the study period were included in the study. Babies born < 37 weeks of gestation were classified as preterm births. For the association and outcomes for preterm birth, univariate followed by multiple regression analysis was conducted. Results The incidence of preterm was found to be 93 per 1000 live births. Mothers aged less than 20 years (aOR 1.26;1.15-1.39) had a high risk for preterm birth. Similarly, education of the mother was a significant predictor for preterm birth: illiterate mothers (aOR 1.41; 1.22-1.64), literate mothers (aOR 1.21; 1.08-1.35) and mothers having basic level of education (aOR 1.17; 1.07-1.27). Socio-demographic factors such as smoking (aOR 1.13; 1.01-1.26), use of polluted fuel (aOR 1.26; 1.17-1.35) and sex of baby (aOR 1.18; 1.11-1.26); obstetric factors such as nulliparity (aOR 1.33; 1.20-1.48), multiple delivery (aOR 6.63; 5.16-8.52), severe anemia during pregnancy (aOR 3.27; 2.21-4.84), antenatal visit during second trimester (aOR 1.13; 1.05-1.22) and third trimester (aOR 1.24; 1.12-1.38), < 4 antenatal visits during pregnancy (aOR 1.49; 1.38-1.61) were found to be significant risk factors of preterm birth. Preterm has a risk for pre-discharge mortality (10.60; 9.28-12.10). Conclusion In this study, we found high incidence of preterm birth. Various socio-demographic, obstetric and neonatal risk factors were associated with preterm birth. Risk factor modifications and timely interventions will help in the reduction of preterm births and associated mortalities