Impact of Deprivation on Preterm Births
Author Information
Author(s): David Taylor-Robinson, Umber Agarwal, Peter J. Diggle, Mary Jane Platt, Bill Yoxall, Zarko Alfirevic
Primary Institution: University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
There would be differential rates of preterm birth by socioeconomic status, related to individual level risk factors.
Conclusion
Deprivation has a significant impact on preterm birth rates in low risk women, related to low maternal weight and smoking.
Supporting Evidence
- Preterm birth rates increased with deprivation, reaching 1.6% in the most deprived quintile.
- Being underweight and smoking were independently associated with preterm birth in the low risk group.
- Preterm birth was five times more likely in the high risk group.
Takeaway
If a mom is from a poorer area, she might have a higher chance of having her baby too early, especially if she smokes or is underweight.
Methodology
Retrospective cohort study analyzing data from 39,873 women in Liverpool, UK, from 2002–2008.
Potential Biases
Response bias may exist in self-reported smoking status.
Limitations
The study is hospital-based rather than population-based, and relies on retrospective data which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
The study population was predominantly from deprived areas, with 63% in the most deprived quintile.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
CI95 1.4 to 1.8
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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