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Characteristics of Preterm Delivery and Low Birthweight Among 113,994 Infants in Alberta: 1994–1996

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Abstract

This study examined the impact of infant and maternal factors on preterm delivery and low birthweight (LBW) in Alberta between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1996. Data on 113,994 births were collected from vital statistics registration birth data. Logistic regression models for preterm and LBW delivery suggested the key risk factors were multiple and still birth (odds ratios >22.0). Other characteristics included female gender, birth defects, nulliparous women, maternal age 35 and greater, unmarried, history of abortion, maternal smoking, maternal street drug use, and having less than 4 prenatal visits (odds ratios 0.86–2.54). Interactions between smoking and alcohol, and smoking and parity were noted. Efforts to improve the currently low rates (8.2%) of smoking cessation during pregnancy are required. Social, economic and medical factors associated with delayed childbearing and birth outcomes should be investigated.

Résumé

L’étude porte sur l’influence des caractéristiques de la mère et du nourrisson sur les accouchements prématurés et l’insuffisance de poids à la naissance (IPN) en Alberta entre le 1er janvier 1994 et le 31 décembre 1996. Nous avons recueilli des données sur 113 994 naissances à partir des inscriptions aux registres d’état civil. Selon nos modèles de régression logistique pour les accouchements prématurés et l’IPN, les principaux facteurs de risque auraient été les accouchements multiples ou de bébés morts-nés (ratios d’incidence approchés >22,0). Les autres caractéristiques étaient le sexe féminin, les anomalies congénitales, la nulliparité et le fait pour la mère d’avoir 35 ans ou plus, d’être célibataire, d’avoir déjà avorté, de fumer, d’utiliser des drogues illicites ou d’avoir effectué moins de quatre visites prénatales (ratios d’incidence approchés 0,86–2,54). Nous avons constaté des interactions entre le tabagisme et l’alcool, et entre le tabagisme et le rang des naissances. Il faudrait s’efforcer d’améliorer les faibles taux de renoncement au tabac durant la grossesse (8,2 % actuellement) et étudier les facteurs sociaux, économiques et médicaux associés à la procréation tardive et à l’issue de la grossesse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Room C211, University of Calgary, Room, 410 North Tower, 1403 29th St. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada

    Suzanne C. Tough PhD

  2. Health Surveillance Branch, Alberta Health and Wellness, Edmonton, Canada

    Lawrence W. Svenson BA & Don Schopflocher PhD

  3. Decision Support Research Team, Calgary Regional Health Authority, Canada

    David W. Johnston MA

Authors
  1. Suzanne C. Tough PhD
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  2. Lawrence W. Svenson BA
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  3. David W. Johnston MA
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  4. Don Schopflocher PhD
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Correspondence to Suzanne C. Tough PhD.

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Tough, S.C., Svenson, L.W., Johnston, D.W. et al. Characteristics of Preterm Delivery and Low Birthweight Among 113,994 Infants in Alberta: 1994–1996. Can J Public Health 92, 276–280 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404960

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404960

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