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Estimation of Preterm Birth Rate, Associated Factors and Maternal Morbidity From a Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil

Maternal and Child Health Journal volume 17, pages 1638–1647 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of preterm birth from self-reports by Brazilian women, to assess complications, interventions and outcomes, to identify factors associated with preterm birth, and to improve the preterm birth rates estimates. This is a secondary analysis of data from a Demographic Health Survey. It interviewed a sample of 4,743 Brazilian women who had 6,113 live births from 2001 to 2007. Estimates of preterm birth rates were obtained per region and per year according to self-reported gestational age. The prevalence rate and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for preterm was determined according to the characteristics of mothers and offspring. Odds ratios and 95 % CI were estimated for complications such as severe maternal morbidity. The preterm birth rate was 9.9 %, with regional variations. Preterm birth was more likely to be associated with neonatal death, low birth weight, and longer hospital stay. Maternal factors associated with preterm birth were: white ethnicity, living in an urban area, history of hypertension or heart disease, twin gestation, non-elective Cesarean section, medical insurance for delivery, low number of antenatal visits, and severe morbidity. A self-report survey has indicated that the preterm birth rate in Brazil is higher than official data suggest, with an increasing trend in more developed areas, and is associated with poor neonatal and maternal outcomes.

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Abbreviations

BMI:

Body mass index

DHS:

Demographic health survey

OR:

Odds ratio

PR:

Prevalence ratio

SINASC:

Live births information system

WHO:

World Health Organization

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript was performed with the support from the grant 2009/53245-5 from Fapesp.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare they have no conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

    Ricardo P. Tedesco, Renato Passini Jr., José G. Cecatti, Rodrigo S. Camargo & Rodolfo C. Pacagnella

  2. Medical School of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil

    Ricardo P. Tedesco & Rodrigo S. Camargo

  3. Campinas Centre for Studies in Reproductive Health, Campinas (CEMICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil

    José G. Cecatti & Maria H. Sousa

  4. Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCAR), São Carlos, Brazil

    Rodolfo C. Pacagnella

  5. DTG/CAISM/UNICAMP, R Alexander Fleming 101, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil

    José G. Cecatti

Authors
  1. Ricardo P. Tedesco
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  2. Renato Passini Jr.
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  3. José G. Cecatti
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  4. Rodrigo S. Camargo
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  5. Rodolfo C. Pacagnella
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  6. Maria H. Sousa
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to José G. Cecatti.

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Tedesco, R.P., Passini, R., Cecatti, J.G. et al. Estimation of Preterm Birth Rate, Associated Factors and Maternal Morbidity From a Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil. Matern Child Health J 17, 1638–1647 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-012-1177-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-012-1177-6

Keywords

  • Preterm birth
  • Risk factors
  • Prematurity
  • Demographic and health survey
  • Severe maternal morbidity