Comparing Preterm Delivery Rates in Scandinavia
Author Information
Author(s): Morken Nils-Halvdan, Vogel Ida, Kallen Karin, Skjærven Rolv, Langhoff-Roos Jens, Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler, Jacobsson Bo
Hypothesis
Does the baseline preterm delivery rate differ between populations?
Conclusion
Reference populations can facilitate overview and thereby explanations for changing preterm delivery rates.
Supporting Evidence
- The total preterm delivery rate increased in Denmark and Norway but remained unchanged in Sweden.
- The reference population model allows for better comparisons of preterm delivery rates over time.
- Changes in maternal age, parity, and assisted reproduction were noted as factors influencing preterm delivery rates.
Takeaway
This study looked at preterm delivery rates in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway to see how they compare over time. It found that using a specific group of low-risk mothers helps understand these rates better.
Methodology
A population-based multinational comparative study analyzing live births and stillbirths from medical birth registers in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway from 1995 to 2004.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the exclusion of certain risk factors like smoking and the reliance on secondary data sources.
Limitations
The study could not account for smoking as a risk factor due to lack of registration in some countries.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on low-risk primiparous women aged 20-35 with singleton, spontaneously conceived pregnancies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website