Risk Factors for Preterm Birth in Kenyan Pregnant Women
Author Information
Author(s): Anna Larsen, Jillian Pintye, Felix Abuna, Julia C. Dettinger, Laurén Gomez, Mary M. Marwa, Nancy Ngumbau, Ben Odhiambo, Barbra A. Richardson, Salphine Watoyi, Joshua Stern, John Kinuthia, Grace John-Stewart
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
What demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors predict preterm birth among Kenyan women?
Conclusion
Preterm birth was associated with several social factors that could be addressed through interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- 19% of women experienced preterm birth.
- Being unmarried increased the risk of preterm birth by 29%.
- Lower educational attainment was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth.
- Women with mild-to-severe depressive symptoms had a 46% higher risk of preterm birth.
Takeaway
One in five pregnant women in Kenya had preterm births, and factors like being unmarried or having low social support increased the risk.
Methodology
Data was collected from a prospective study involving HIV-negative women attending antenatal clinics, assessing various psychosocial factors and using Cox proportional hazards models for analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to differential enrollment by exposure and outcome status.
Limitations
The risk score did not account for unmeasured factors that may influence preterm birth.
Participant Demographics
Median maternal age was 24 years, with 57.1% being adolescents or young women under 25, and 84.8% were married or living with a partner.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.2–1.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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