Preterm Birth in Saudi Arabia: A Review
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Almaghaslah Eman H, Al Ibrahim Israa, Al-Zahir Sakinah S, Al Saif Ahmed Z
Primary Institution: Preventive Health, Qatif Health Network, First Eastern Cluster, Ministry of Health, Qatif, SAU
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of preterm birth in Saudi Arabia?
Conclusion
The study found a preterm birth prevalence of 7.89 per 100 live births in Saudi Arabia.
Supporting Evidence
- Preterm birth is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- The pooled prevalence of preterm birth was found to be 7.89 per 100 live births.
- Multiple pregnancies had an average prevalence of preterm birth of 91.3 per 100 live births.
- Understanding the prevalence of preterm birth is critical for improving neonatal care.
- Healthcare practitioners can use this information for better planning and capacity building.
- The study included 10 eligible studies after screening 1613 initial studies.
- Risk of bias was assessed using the LEGEND tool, showing low risk across included studies.
- Findings highlight the need for improved antenatal care and public health strategies.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many babies are born too early in Saudi Arabia, and it found that about 8 out of every 100 babies are born before they should be.
Methodology
The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature on preterm birth in Saudi Arabia, including data extraction and risk of bias assessment.
Potential Biases
The included studies were assessed for risk of bias, and a low risk was found.
Limitations
The studies included were primarily from major cities, which may not represent rural areas, and there was inconsistency in definitions of preterm birth.
Participant Demographics
The review included studies with a total of 50,514 participants for singletons and 336 sets of twins or multiple pregnancies.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 6.94 to 8.97
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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