The relationship between antenatal care and preterm birth: the importance of content of care

Recent Immigrants With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Have Significant Healthcare Utilization From Preconception to Postpartum: A Population Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Immigrants with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have increased healthcare utilization during pregnancy compared with non-immigrants, although this remains to be confirmed. We aimed to characterize this between these groups.

METHODS

We accessed administrative databases to identify women (aged 18-55 years) with IBD with a singleton pregnancy between 2003 and 2018. Immigration status was defined as recent (<5 years of the date of conception), remote (≥5 years since the date of conception), and none. Differences in ambulatory, emergency department, hospitalization, endoscopic, and prenatal visits during 12 months preconception, pregnancy, and 12 months postpartum were characterized. Region of immigration origin was ascertained. Multivariable negative binomial regression was performed for adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 8,880 pregnancies were included, 8,304 in non-immigrants, 96 in recent immigrants, 480 in remote immigrants. Compared with non-immigrants, recent immigrants had the highest rates of IBD-specific ambulatory visits during preconception (aIRR 3.06, 95% CI 1.93-4.85), pregnancy (aIRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.35-3.42), and postpartum (aIRR 2.21, 1.37-3.57) and the highest rates of endoscopy visits during preconception (aIRR 2.69, 95% CI 1.64-4.41) and postpartum (aIRR 2.01, 95% CI 1.09-3.70). There were no differences in emergency department and hospitalization visits between groups, although those arriving from the Americas were the most likely to be hospitalized for any reason. All immigrants with IBD were less likely to have a first trimester prenatal visit.

DISCUSSION

Recent immigrants were more likely to have IBD-specific ambulatory care but less likely to receive adequate prenatal care during pregnancy.

Determinants of preterm birth among reproductive age women in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey data-2019-2022

INTRODUCTION

Preterm birth is the leading cause of both infant and neonatal mortality. It also had long-term consequences for the physical and neurological development of a growing child. The majority of these and related problems occur in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, due to resource scarcity to sustain the lives of premature babies. Despite this, there is a paucity of recent information on the pooled prevalence and factors associated with preterm birth in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to update the pooled prevalence and determinants of preterm birth in sub-Saharan Africa based on the most recent Demographic and Health Survey data.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design using the most recent demographic and health survey data from eight sub-Saharan African countries was used. We included a total weighted sample of 74,871 reproductive-aged women who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey. We used a multilevel logistic regression model to identify associated factors of preterm birth in sub-Saharan Africa. The adjusted odds ratio at 95% Cl was computed to assess the strength and significance of the association between explanatory and outcome variables. Factors with a p-value of <0.05 are declared statistically significant.

RESULTS

In this study, the pooled prevalence of preterm birth among reproductive-aged women in eight sub-Saharan African countries was 3.11% (95% CI: 2.98-3.25). Working mothers (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.97), being married (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40-0.99), and having media exposure (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36-0.96) decrease the odds of preterm birth. On the other hand, being low birth weight (AOR = 17.7; 95% CI: 10.7-29.3), having multiple pregnancies (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.82-6.45), having a history of terminated pregnancies (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.01-2.41), being un-educated (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.12-8.93), being of a maternal age above 35 (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.08-2.45), maternal alcohol use (AOR = 19.18; 95% CI: 13.6-38.8), and being in the low socio-economic status (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.11-3.07) of the community increase the odds of preterm birth.

CONCLUSION

The burden of preterm birth among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa showed improvements as compared to previous findings. To further lessen the burden, policymakers and other pertinent organizations must prioritize maternal health, expand media access, educate and empower women, and promote a healthy lifestyle for reproductive-age women.

The impact of health insurance on maternal and reproductive health service utilization and financial protection in low- and lower middle-income countries: a systematic review of the evidence

BACKGROUND

Low- and middle-income countries have committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) as a means to enhance access to services and improve financial protection. One of the key health financing reforms to achieve UHC is the introduction or expansion of health insurance to enhance access to basic health services, including maternal and reproductive health care. However, there is a paucity of evidence of the extent to which these reforms have had impact on the main policy objectives of enhancing service utilization and financial protection. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the existing evidence on the causal impact of health insurance on maternal and reproductive health service utilization and financial protection in low- and lower middle-income countries.

METHODS

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search included six databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Scopus as of 23rd May 2023. The keywords included health insurance, impact, utilisation, financial protection, and maternal and reproductive health. The search was followed by independent title and abstract screening and full text review by two reviewers using the Covidence software. Studies published in English since 2010, which reported on the impact of health insurance on maternal and reproductive health utilisation and or financial protection were included in the review. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies (82.4%, n = 14) were nationally representative. Most studies found that health insurance had a significant positive impact on having at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits, delivery at a health facility and having a delivery assisted by a skilled attendant with average treatment effects ranging from 0.02 to 0.11, 0.03 to 0.34 and 0.03 to 0.23 respectively. There was no evidence that health insurance had increased postnatal care, access to contraception and financial protection for maternal and reproductive health services. Various maternal and reproductive health indicators were reported in studies. ANC had the greatest number of reported indicators (n = 10), followed by financial protection (n = 6), postnatal care (n = 5), and delivery care (n = 4). The overall quality of the evidence was moderate based on the risk of bias assessment.

CONCLUSION

The introduction or expansion of various types of health insurance can be a useful intervention to improve ANC (receiving at least four ANC visits) and delivery care (delivery at health facility and delivery assisted by skilled birth attendant) service utilization in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Implementation of health insurance could enable countries' progress towards UHC and reduce maternal mortality. However, more research using rigorous impact evaluation methods is needed to investigate the causal impact of health insurance coverage on postnatal care utilization, contraceptive use and financial protection both in the general population and by socioeconomic status.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with Prospero (CRD42021285776).

Independent and joint contributions of inadequate antenatal care timing, contacts and content to adverse pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Poor quality and inadequate of antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy may increase the risk of preventable adverse pregnancy outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that the adequacy of ANC utilization combined with quality of ANC services will reduce the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (P T D) in the Tamale metropolis of Ghana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 553 postpartum women who had delivered within the last 12 months prior to the study. The overall utilization of ANC services was measured in terms of ANC timing, contacts, and content (TCC) of essential ANC services. The sample was drawn using systematic random sampling procedure. Primary data was collected from mothers by administering a structuredquestionnaire while the secondary data was extracted from individual records.

RESULTS

After controlling for confounders, women who had adhered to all WHO recommendations in terms of ANC timing, frequency and content were 71 % protected from PTD, AOR = 0.29 (95 % CI: 0.15, 0.59) and 56 % protection from LBW AOR = 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.23, 0.83).

CONCLUSION

Individually and jointly, inadequate ANC contacts and content associatedsignificantly with preterm delivery than LBW.Key messagesLimited evidence exists on the joint effect of ANC services timing, contacts and content on adverse pregnancy outcomes.Total adherence to recommended ANC initiation, attendance and receipt of essential services had greater protection against PTD and LBW, compared to any single element/component of ANCWomen who had adequate overall ANC services utilization in terms of timing, contacts and content were 71 % protected from PTD, AOR = 0.29 (95 % CI: 0.15, 0.59) and 56 % protection from LBW AOR = 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.23, 0.83).

Development and validation of a prognosis risk score model for preterm birth among pregnant women who had antenatal care visit, Northwest, Ethiopia, retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, specifically in low-resource settings. The majority of prematurity can be prevented if early interventions are implemented for high-risk pregnancies. Developing a prognosis risk score for preterm birth based on easily available predictors could support health professionals as a simple clinical tool in their decision-making. Therefore, the study aims to develop and validate a prognosis risk score model for preterm birth among pregnant women who had antenatal care visit at Debre Markos Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among a total of 1,132 pregnant women. Client charts were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were extracted using structured checklist prepared in the Kobo Toolbox application and exported to STATA version 14 and R version 4.2.2 for data management and analysis. Stepwise backward multivariable analysis was done. A simplified risk prediction model was developed based on a binary logistic model, and the model's performance was assessed by discrimination power and calibration. The internal validity of the model was evaluated by bootstrapping. Decision Curve Analysis was used to determine the clinical impact of the model.

RESULT

The incidence of preterm birth was 10.9%. The developed risk score model comprised of six predictors that remained in the reduced multivariable logistic regression, including age < 20, late initiation of antenatal care, unplanned pregnancy, recent pregnancy complications, hemoglobin < 11 mg/dl, and multiparty, for a total score of 17. The discriminatory power of the model was 0.931, and the calibration test was p > 0.05. The optimal cut-off for classifying risks as low or high was 4. At this cut point, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy is 91.0%, 82.1%, and 83.1%, respectively. It was internally validated and has an optimism of 0.003. The model was found to have clinical benefit.

CONCLUSION

The developed risk-score has excellent discrimination performance and clinical benefit. It can be used in the clinical settings by healthcare providers for early detection, timely decision making, and improving care quality.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia at Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, Nepal: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are the most common types of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy and these conditions are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aims to determine the differences in pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

METHODS

A retrospective study was done at The Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, a tertiary level hospital, in the Kathmandu, Nepal. Pregnant women who had given birth at the hospital between September 17 and December 18 of 2017 were included. Data were obtained from the non-digitalized hospital records. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval were computed using logistic regression analysis. Multivariable analysis of pregnancy outcomes (cesarean sections, low birth weight, and preterm birth) was adjusted for maternal age, parity, twin birth, gestational age, calcium supplementation, and maternal co-morbidity.

RESULTS

Preeclampsia was strongly associated with cesarean section compared to normal pregnancies (OR = 8.11, p<0.001). Whereas the odds of cesarean section among women with gestational hypertension was almost 2 times (OR = 1.89, p<0.001). Preterm birth was not significantly associated with gestational hypertension but was associated with preeclampsia (OR = 3.39, p<0.001). Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were not associated with low birth weight.

CONCLUSION

In Nepal, women who develop preeclampsia seem at higher risk of having adverse pregnancy outcomes than women with gestational hypertension. These findings should be considered by national health authorities and other health organizations when setting new priorities to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Preterm Birth in Manipur, Northeast India: A Community-Based Study

Background Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the world's leading health concerns, affecting both the mother and the children. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with PTB among the Meitei women of Manipur.

Materials and Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in postpartum Meitei women of Manipur. Participants were 126 postpartum women that gave birth to a singleton live-born infant and were classified as women giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation (PTB) and women giving birth at ≥37 weeks (term). Data were compared using univariate analysis, and the association of socioeconomic factors with PTB was determined through multivariate logistic regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25 version software program, and statistical significance was taken at a p-value < 0.05.

Results The overall prevalence of PTB is 23.01%, of which 13.79% are of extremely preterm. This study revealed a significant association of PTB with mother's occupation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–14.26, p = 0.012), tobacco consumption during pregnancy (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.01–8.33, p = 0.048), having family history of PTB (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.09–9.04, p = 0.034), and early age at menarche (AOR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.49–12.12, p = 0.007).

Conclusion The study highlights the high prevalence of PTB and its association with various socioeconomic factors. Such community-specific studies should be performed to understand the differential risk factors of PTB to control premature death in under 5 years children and to promote women's reproductive health.

Pregnancy-related healthcare utilization among women with multiple sclerosis

Introduction

Many studies have investigated pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, no study has measured prenatal healthcare utilization in women with MS or adherence to follow-up recommendations to improve antenatal care quality. A better knowledge of the quality of antenatal care in women with MS would help identify and better support women with insufficient follow-up. Our objective was to measure the level of compliance to prenatal care recommendations in women with MS using data from the French National Health Insurance Database.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all pregnant women with MS who gave live birth in France between 2010 and 2015. Using the French National Health Insurance Database, follow-up visits with gynecologists, midwives, and general practitioners (GPs) were identified, as well as ultrasound exams and laboratory tests. Based on the Adequacy of Prenatal Care Use and Content and Timing of care in Pregnancy indices, a new tool adapted to the French recommendations was developed to measure and classify the antenatal care trajectory (adequate or inadequate). Explicative factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression models. A random effect was included because women may have had more than one pregnancy during the study period.

Results

In total, 4,804 women with MS (N = 5,448 pregnancies ending in live births) were included. When considering only visits with gynecologists/midwives, 2,277 pregnancies (41.8%) were considered adequate. When adding visits with GP, their number increased to 3,646 (66.9%). Multivariate models showed that multiple pregnancy and higher medical density were associated with better adherence to follow-up recommendations. Conversely, adherence was lower in 25-29-year-old and >40-year-old women, in women with very low income, and agricultural and self-employed workers. No visits, ultrasound exams, and laboratory tests were recorded in 87 pregnancies (1.6%). In 50% of pregnancies, women had at least one visit with a neurologist during the pregnancy, and women restarted disease-modifying therapy (DMT) within 6 months after delivery in 45.9% of pregnancies.

Discussion

Many women consulted their GP during pregnancy. This could be linked to a low density of gynecologists but may also reflect the preferences of women. Our findings can help adapt recommendations and healthcare providers' practices according to the women's profiles.

Analysis of an Association between Preterm Birth and Parental Educational Level in Japan Using National Data

Preterm birth rate depending on parental educational level in recent years has not been surveyed in Japan. In this study, we showed the trend in preterm birth rate depending on parental educational level from 2000 to 2020 by linking data from the Census regarding individuals' educational level and parents in birth data of the vital statistics. Four types of parental educational level, namely junior high school, high school, technical school or junior college, and university or graduate school, were compared. Slope and relative indexes of inequality for preterm birth by educational level were computed by binomial models. Data on 3,148,711 births and 381,129,294 people were used in the analysis, and data on 782,536 singleton births were used after data linkage. The preterm birth rate (%) for junior high school graduate mothers and fathers was 5.09 and 5.20 in 2020, respectively. Contrarily, the preterm birth rate (%) for parents who graduated from a university or graduate school was 4.24 for mothers and 4.39 for fathers, and the rate tended to increase as educational level decreased, irrespective of parental gender. Results of inequality indexes showed that a statistically significant inequality by parental educational level persisted from 2000 to 2020.

Impact of Antenatal Care on Perinatal Outcomes in New South Wales, Australia: A Decade-Long Regional Perspective

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth are adverse perinatal outcomes that pose a significant risk to a child's healthy beginning. While antenatal care (ANC) is an established intervention for pregnancy care, little is understood about how the number and timing of ANC visits can impact these adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the impact of the number and timing of ANC visits on LBW and preterm birth in a regional setting. A decade-long perinatal dataset related to singleton live births that took place in the Southern New South Wales Local Health District (SNSWLHD) was utilized. The outcomes of interest were LBW and preterm birth, and the exposure variables were based on the Australian pregnancy guidelines on the number and timing of ANC visits. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to measure the association between outcome and exposure while adjusting for potential confounders. A greater level of protection against LBW and preterm birth was observed among mothers who had an adequate number of visits, with early entry (first trimester) into ANC. The protective effect of an adequate number of ANC visits against LBW and preterm birth among mothers with late entry into ANC (third trimester) was found to be statistically non-significant.

Effect of prenatal care quality on the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis

BACKGROUND

Averse birth-outcomes still affect newborns worldwide. Although high-quality prenatal care is the main strategy to prevent these outcomes, the effect of prenatal care based on Kotelchuck index combined with consultation contents is still unclear. Thus, this article to evaluate the effect of the quality of prenatal care (PC) process on birth indicators in a cohort of puerperaes who attended maternity hospitals in Brazilian western Amazon, city of Rio Branco, in the state of Acre, Brazil, in 2015.

METHODS

This research was a hospital-based cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,030 women who gave birth in maternity hospitals in the city between April 6 and June 30, 2015. This research was a hospital-based cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,030 women who gave birth in maternity hospitals in Rio Branco between April 6th. and June 30th., 2015. Prenatal care was classified as fully adequate when started ≤4th month; ≥80.0-109% expected consultations for GA according to the Kotelchuck Index; ≥5 records of blood pressure, weight, GA, fundal height, ≥4 records of fetal heart rate, fetal movements or equivalent to 75% of the number of consultations; in addition to recording ABO/RH, hemoglobin, VDRL, urine, glucose, anti-HIV and anti-toxoplamosis during the 1st trimester. The evaluated outcomes were low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis/syphilis. Differences between proportions were assessed using the X² test, and the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall cohort, the outcomes incidences were 8.8% for LBW, 9.2% for preterm birth, and 1.1% for vertical transmission (syphilis/HIV/hepatitis). Crude and adjusted OR showed that inadequate PC increased the risk statistically significant of LBW (ORcrude: 1.84; 95%CI: 0.99-3.44; ORadjusted: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.00-3.52), and preterm birth (ORcrude: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.00-3.29; ORadjusted: 3.98; 95%CI: 1.40-11.29).

CONCLUSION

The results draw attention to the importance of quality PC in reducing the risks of LBW, preterm birth, and vertical transmission of syphilis/HIV/hepatitis. Moreover, using this proposed quality prenatal care indicator based on Kotelchuck index combined with consultations contents adjusted by GA may accurately predict unfavorable outcomes.

Antenatal care utilization and compliance with national and WHO guidelines in rural Ethiopia: a cohort study

Background

Antenatal health care utilization has the potential to influence maternal and new-born health. In this study, we assessed compliance of antenatal care utilization with national and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We also examined association of antenatal care utilization with adverse pregnancy outcomes as secondary outcome.

Methods

This was a community-based cross sectional study conducted from July 2016 to November 2017 in rural south-central Ethiopia. We described antenatal care received by pregnant women, whom we followed at three prescheduled visits during pregnancy and collected birth data at time of delivery. Extent of antenatal care content received, timing of antenatal care, place of antenatal care and place and mode of delivery were obtained and computed in accordance with national and WHO guidelines. For adverse pregnancy outcomes, computed as sum of low birth weight, preterm birth, intrauterine foetal death, and stillbirth, the exposure variable used was antenatal care utilization.

Results

Seven hundred and four (704) women participated in the study, and 536 (76.1%) had attended at least one antenatal care visit. Among women who attended antenatal care visit, majority, 421 (79.3%), had done so at health centres and hospitals, while 110 (20.7%) attended at health post. Average number of antenatal care visits was 2.5, which is less than that recommended in national and WHO guidelines. Only 18 (2.6%) women had attended antenatal care in their first trimester, which is low in contrast to the expected 100% specified in the guidelines. Less than half (47%) of the women delivered in a health facility. This is in contrast to the 100% expected health institution deliveries. Low birth weight was 7.9% (n = 48), and preterm birth was 4.9% (n = 31). There were 12 twin pregnancies, three stillbirths, 11 spontaneous abortions, and two intrauterine foetal deaths. We did not find significant association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and antenatal care utilization (COR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.62, 1.86).

Conclusion

This study showed that antenatal care service utilization in the study area was markedly low compared to that recommended in national and WHO guidelines. The obtained antenatal health care utilization was not associated with the registered adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Status of the latest 2016 World Health Organization recommended frequency of antenatal care contacts in Sierra Leone: a nationally representative survey

Background

Timely and increased frequency of quality antenatal care (ANC) contacts is one of the key strategies aimed at decreasing maternal and neonatal deaths. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the ANC guidelines to recommend at least eight ANC contacts instead of four. This study aimed to determine the proportion of women who received eight or more ANC contacts and associated factors in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We used Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2019 data of 5,432 women aged 15 to 49 years who had a live birth, within three years preceding the survey. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with utilisation of eight or more ANC contacts using SPSS version 25 complex samples package.

Results

Out of 5,432 women, 2,399 (44.8%) (95% CI: 43.1–45.7) had their first ANC contact in the first trimester and 1,197 (22.0%) (95% CI: 21.2–23.4) had eight or more ANC contacts. Women who had their first ANC contact after first trimester (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 0.58, 95% CI 0.49–0.68) and women aged 15 to 19 years had less odds of having eight or more contacts (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.91). Working (aOR 1.33, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.62) and wealthier women had higher odds of having eight or more contacts compared to poorer ones and those not working respectively. Women residing in the southern region, those using internet and less parous (less than five) women were associated with higher odds of having eight or more ANC contacts. Women who had no big problem obtaining permission to go health facilities also had higher odds of having eight or more ANC contacts compared to those who had big problems.

Conclusion

Sierra Leone’s adoption of eight or more ANC contacts is low and less than half of the women initiate ANC in the first trimester. To ensure increased access to recommended ANC visits, timely ANC should be encouraged. Attributes of women empowerment such as workings status, socio-economic status, and decision-making should also be emphasized.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08594-y.

Demographic Profile, Etiology, and Perinatal Outcome Associated With Preterm Birth in a Tertiary Hospital of Eastern India: A Retrospective Study

Background

Preterm birth (PB), defined as birth occurring at less than 37 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity in the world.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics and etiological factors associated with preterm birth and consequent adverse perinatal outcomes retrospectively at a tertiary care hospital. 

Methods

A single-centre retrospective observational study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital, Balasore, Odisha, India, from April 2019 to March 2020. Data were retrieved from the antenatal ward admission register, case files, theatre records, and neonatal care unit records and reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe data. Chi-square test and student’s t-test were used to find significance of difference between variables.

Results

The incidence of preterm birth in the study population was 5.52%. The mean gestational age of preterm deliveries was 34.39 ± 1.92 weeks. The bulk of the women hailed from a rural background and belonged to the lower socioeconomic strata. About 47.29% of the women were nulliparous and spontaneous preterm birth was noted in 70.40%. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), anaemia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, and eclampsia were the most common adverse pregnancy conditions prevalent in these women. Preterm deliveries comprised 31.21% of all neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Respiratory distress syndrome, birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, and jaundice were the most common complications. Neonatal death occurred in 51 (9.21%) preterm infants with birth asphyxia being the commonest cause of such deaths. Maternal factors and adverse neonatal outcome variables were compared between the spontaneous and iatrogenic/medically indicated preterm birth groups. Preeclampsia, IUGR, and cesarean section were more significantly associated with the iatrogenic group.

Conclusion

Our study provides a general overview of the associated etiological factors and perinatal health concerns associated with preterm birth in a rural/semi-urban setting in Eastern India. The findings might provide essential data for taking steps toward the prevention and management of preterm birth from a developing country’s perspective.

Decomposing socio-economic inequalities in antenatal care utilisation in 12 Southern African Development Community countries

Although many countries are making progress towards achieving the global sustainable development goals, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) lags behind. SSA bears a relatively higher burden of maternal morbidity and mortality than other regions despite existing cost-effective interventions. This paper assesses antenatal care (ANC) service utilisation among women in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, one of the four SSA regions. Specifically, it assesses socioeconomic inequality in the number of ANC visits, use of no ANC service, between one and three ANC visits and at least four ANC visits, previously recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Data come from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys in twelve SADC countries. Wagstaff's normalised concentration index (CI) was used to assess socioeconomic inequalities. Factors explaining these inequalities were assessed using a standard method and similar variables contained in the DHS data. A positive CI means that the variable of interest is concentrated among wealthier women, while a negative CI signified the opposite. The paper found that wealthier women in the SADC countries are generally more likely to have more ANC visits than their poorer counterparts. Apart from Zambia, the CIs were positive for inequalities in at least 4 ANC visits and negative for between 1 and 3 ANC visits. Women from poorer backgrounds significantly report no ANC visits than wealthier women. Apart from the portion that was not explainable due to limitations in the variables included in the model, critical social determinants of health, including wealth, education and the number of children, explain socioeconomic inequalities in ANC coverage in SADC. A vital policy consideration is not to leave any woman behind. Therefore, addressing access barriers and critical social determinants of ANC inequalities, such as women's education and economic well-being, can potentially redress inequalities in ANC coverage in the SADC region.

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Wealthier women have more antenatal care (ANC) visits than their poorer counterparts.

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Women from poorer backgrounds report no ANC visits more often than wealthier women.

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Wealth and education are key drivers of socioeconomic inequalities in ANC coverage.

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Poorer women are being left behind in accessing maternal health services in Africa.

Assistência pré-natal e perinatal em Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Resumo Introdução: O acompanhamento pré-natal e as condutas adotadas durante o parto são essenciais para garantir o bom desenvolvimento da gestação, prevenir complicações e proporcionar um parto saudável, sem impacto na saúde da puérpera e do recém-nascido. Objetivo: Analisar a assistência pré-natal e perinatal oferecida em Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, e verificar se há associação entre a adequação do pré-natal e os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos, comportamentais e reprodutivos. Métodos: Estudo transversal com base de dados pré-existente. Para a análise da adequação do pré-natal foram utilizados três critérios: 1) início até 16ª semana e número mínimo de consultas de acordo com a idade gestacional; 2) práticas dos profissionais nas consultas de pré-natal; 3) orientações oferecidas às gestantes pelos profissionais. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizada regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 437 puérperas. A assistência pré-natal foi considerada adequada para 72,5%, 93,1% e 50,1% das puérperas, considerando os critérios 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. As gestantes que apresentaram maior chance de terem o pré-natal inadequado, com relação ao critério 1, foram as com menor escolaridade (RC = 1,68; p = 0,046), que não possuíam companheiro (RC = 2,18; p = 0,002), que não trabalharam durante a gestação (RC = 2,18; p = 0,003) e as que não planejaram a gravidez (RC = 1,76; p = 0,023). Com relação à assistência perinatal, a presença de acompanhante e contato pele a pele foram apropriados, mas a amamentação na primeira hora de vida foi inadequada. Conclusão: Observou-se a necessidade de aprimorar as orientações fornecidas pelos profissionais e incluir a amamentação na primeira hora de vida. Os resultados podem contribuir para otimizar os serviços de saúde materno-infantil em Governador Valadares.

Prenatal and perinatal care in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract Introduction: Prenatal care and the procedures adopted during childbirth are essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery and prevent complications, without affecting the health of the mother and newborn. Objective: To analyze the prenatal and perinatal care provided in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, and to determine whether there is an association between adequate prenatal care and socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral and reproductive factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a pre-existing database. The adequacy of prenatal care was analyzed based on three criteria: 1) onset up to the 16th week and a minimum number of checkups according to gestational age; 2) professional practices during prenatal checkups; 3) counseling given to the pregnant women by healthcare professionals. Multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results: Participants were 437 postpartum women. Prenatal care was considered adequate for 72.5, 93.1 and 50.1% of the participants based on criteria 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The pregnant women who were most likely to receive inadequate prenatal care in relation to criterion 1 were those with the lowest schooling level (OR = 1.68; p = 0.046), who were single (OR = 2.18; p = 0.002), did not work during their pregnancy (OR = 2.18; p = 0.003) and whose pregnancy was unplanned (OR = 1.76; p = 0.023). With respect to perinatal care, the presence of a birth companion and skin-to-skin contact were adequate, but breastfeeding in the first hour of life was not. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the counseling provided by healthcare professionals and include breastfeeding in the first hour of life. The results could contribute to optimizing maternal and child health services in Governador Valadares.

Preterm birth and its associated factors among reproductive aged women in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from the recent demographic and health surveys of sub-Sharan African countries

BACKGROUND

Globally, preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and under-five children mortality. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) accounts for the majority of preterm birth and death following its complications. Despite this, there is limited evidence about the pooled prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth at SSA level using nation-wide representative large dataset. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth among reproductive aged women.

METHODS

The recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) data of 36 SSA countries were used. We included a total weighted sample of 172,774 reproductive-aged women who were giving birth within five years preceding the most recent survey of SSA countries were included in the analysis. We used a multilevel logistic regression model to identify the associated factors of preterm birth in SSA. We considered a statistical significance at a p-value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, 5.33% (95% CI: 5.23, 5.44%) of respondents in SSA had delivered preterm baby. Being form eastern Africa, southern Africa, rural area, being educated, substance use, having multiple pregnancy, currently working history, having history of terminated pregnancy, and previous cesarean section delivery, primi-parity, and short birth interval were associated with higher odds of preterm birth among reproductive aged women. However, having better wealth index, being married, wanted pregnancy, and having four or more antenatal care visit were associated with lower odds for a preterm birth among reproductive aged women.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of preterm birth among reproductive-aged women remains a major public health problem in SSA. Preterm birth was affected by various socio-economic and obstetrical factors. Therefore, it is better to consider the high-risk groups during intervention to prevent the short-term and long-term consequences of preterm birth.

The effect of a maternal mentoring program on the timing of first antenatal care visit among pregnant women in Bantul, Indonesia: Results of a cluster randomized trial

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is low in developing countries, with an estimated 20% of Indonesian women not initiating ANC during the first trimester. The present study sought to determine the impact of a mentoring program on the timing of the first ANC visit.

Methods: This cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 3 subdistricts of the Bantul District, divided into 61 clusters per treatment arm, with a final sample size of 205 confirmed pregnant women. The mentoring program consisted of (1) health education, (2) monitoring, and(3) text-message reminders. The primary outcome was the timing of first ANC visit. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to measure the effect of the program on the likelihood of having an earlier first ANC visit, with statistical significance at α=0.05.

Results: At the individual-level, the intervention group had a mean time of first ANC visit±2 days earlier than the control group (P<0.05). After adjusted for cluster and other covariates, the odds of starting the first ANC visit early (<39 days of gestation) was higher in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-7.72).

Conclusion: Maternal mentoring can improve the timing of the first ANC visit. This program has the potential to be adopted by health care systems in settings where there is little education on the importance of ANC. Future research could extend the length of mentorship until delivery in order to better understand the relationship between mentorship and early ANC on pregnancy outcomes.

Association between intimate partner violence during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth

Background

Preterm birth is a risk factor for child survival in both the short and long term. In Zimbabwe, the prevalence of preterm birth is rising, and there are growing concerns about the adverse consequences. This study explored the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and preterm birth in Zimbabwe.

Methods

Using data from the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, we applied propensity score matching to estimate the effect of IPV during pregnancy on preterm birth among women of reproductive age (15–49 years). A total of 4833 pregnant women who gave birth during the five years preceding the survey were analysed.

Results

We successfully matched 79 women who were exposed to IPV during pregnancy to 372 unexposed during pregnancy. Using the matched sample, the probability of preterm delivery was significantly higher among women who were exposed to IPV during pregnancy than those who were not exposed. The findings showed that 7 out of 79 (8.9%) of women exposed to IPV during pregnancy experienced preterm delivery, and 11 out of 372 (3.0%) of those who were not exposed to IPV during pregnancy experienced preterm delivery. In the urban areas, those exposed to IPV during pregnancy were almost five times more likely to experience preterm delivery (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 2.0–11.6), but the association was not significantly different among women in rural areas.

Conclusion

The findings showed that women exposed to IPV during pregnancy were at increased risk of preterm birth. Some of the risk factors associated with IPV were urban residence, low economic status and unemployment. Effective policies and programmes are required to address the issue of IPV in Zimbabwe.

Parity and the risks of adverse birth outcomes: a retrospective study among Chinese

Background

Nulliparity is considered to be a risk factor of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). With the new two-child policy launched in 2016, more Chinese women have delivered their 2nd baby. Yet few studies have assessed the impact of parity on adverse birth outcomes in China. This study aimed to examine the association between parity and risks of PTB, LBW and SGA in a Chinese population. The combined effects of maternal age and parity on adverse birth outcomes were also assessed.

Methods

This retrospective study included all non-malformed live births born during January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018 in Chengdu, China. A total of 746,410 eligible live singletons with complete information were included in the analysis. Parity was classified into nulliparity (i.e. has never delivered a newborn before) and multiparity (i.e. has delivered at least one newborn before). Log-binomial regression analyses were applied to evaluate the association between parity and PTB, LBW and SGA. We further divided maternal age into different groups (< 25 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years and ≥ 35 years) to assess the combined effects of maternal age and parity on adverse birth outcomes.

Results

Multiparity was associated with reduced risks of PTB (aRR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89–0.93), LBW (aRR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.72–0.77) and SGA (aRR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.66–0.69) compared with nulliparity. In each age group, we observed that multiparity was associated with lower risks of adverse birth outcomes. Compared to nulliparous women aged between 25 and 29 years, women aged ≥35 years had greater risks of PTB and LBW, regardless of their parity status. In contrast, multiparous women aged ≥35 years (aRR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.70–0.77) and those aged < 25 years (aRR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.84–0.93) were at lower risk of SGA compared with nulliparous women aged between 25 and 29 years.

Conclusion

Multiparity was associated with lower risks of all adverse birth outcomes. Special attention should be paid to nulliparous mothers and those with advanced age during antenatal care, in order to reduce the risks of adverse birth outcomes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03718-4.

Association between maternal country of birth and preterm birth: A population-based register study of 910,752 deliveries

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse associations between maternal country of birth and preterm birth among women giving birth in Norway. Methods: A population-based register study was conducted employing official national databases in Norway. All singleton births, with neonates without major anomalies, between 1999 and 2014 were included (N=910,752). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) for extremely preterm birth (<28 weeks gestation), very preterm birth (28–33 weeks gestation) and late preterm birth (34–36 weeks gestation) by maternal country of birth. We conducted multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for maternal, obstetric and socio-economic confounders. Results: For extremely preterm births (0.4% of the study population), women with an unknown country of birth (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.26–4.22) and women born in sub-Saharan Africa (aOR=1.66; CI 1.40–1.96) had the highest ORs compared to Norwegian-born women. For very preterm births (1.2% of the study population), women with an unknown country of birth (aOR=1.72; CI 1.36–2.18) and women born in South Asia (aOR=1.48; CI 1.31–1.66) had the highest ORs. For late preterm births (3.8% of the study population), women born in East Asia Pacific/Oceania (aOR=1.33; CI 1.25–1.41) and South Asia (aOR=1.30; CI 1.21–1.39) had the highest ORs. Conclusions: After adjusting for maternal, obstetric and socio-economic risk factors, maternal country of birth remained significantly associated with preterm birth. Women with an unknown country of birth and women born in sub-Saharan Africa were found to be at increased risk of extremely preterm birth.

Status of the WHO recommended timing and frequency of antenatal care visits in Northern Bangladesh

OBJECTIVE

There is dearth of information on the timeliness of antenatal care (ANC) uptake. This study aimed to determine the timely ANC uptake by a medically trained provider (MTP) as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and the country guideline.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey was done with 2,731 women having livebirth outcome in last one year in Dinajpur, Nilphamari and Rajshahi districts, Bangladesh from August-November,2016.

RESULTS

About 82%(2,232) women received at least one ANC from a MTP. Overall, 78%(2,142) women received 4 or more ANCs by any provider and 43%(1168) from a MTP. Only 14%(378) women received their first ANC at the 1st trimester by a MTP. As per 4 schedule visits by the WHO FANC model and the country guideline 8%(203) and 20%(543) women respectively received the first 2 timely ANC by a MTP; where only 1%(32) and 3%(72) received the first 3 visits timely and 0.6%(17) and 1%(29) received all the four timely visits. Factors significantly associated with the first two timely visits are: 10 or above years of schooling of women [adj. OR 2.13 (CI: 1.05, 4.30)] and their husbands [adj. OR 2.40 (CI: 1.31, 4.38)], women's employment [adj. OR 2.32 (CI: 1.43, 3.76)], urban residential status [adj. OR 3.49 (CI: 2.46, 4.95)] and exposure to mass media [adj. OR 1.58 (CI: 1.07, 2.34)] at 95% confidence interval. According to the 2016 WHO ANC model, only 1.5%(40) women could comply with the first two ANC contacts timely by a MTP and no one could comply with all the timely 8 contacts.

CONCLUSION

Despite high coverage of ANC utilization, timely ANC visit is low as per both the WHO recommendations and the country guideline. For better understanding, further studies on the timeliness of ANC coverage are required to design feasible intervention for improving maternal and child health.

Association between antenatal care visit and preterm birth: a cohort study in rural Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Strengthening the antenatal care programme is suggested as one of the public health strategies to reduce preterm birth burden at a population level. However, the evidence so far available is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between antenatal care (ANC) visit and preterm birth; and also to explore to what extent the increased usage of ANC after the initiation of the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) project in Matlab, Bangladesh, contributed to the reduction of preterm birth.

SETTING

This population-based cohort study was conducted in Matlab, a subdistrict under Chandpur. The analysis was based on data collected from 2005 to 2009. In 2007, an MNCH project was initiated in the area that strengthened the ongoing ANC services.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 12 980 live births with their mothers during the study period were included in the analysis.

ANALYSIS

We performed logistic regression with generalised estimating equation models to evaluate the associations.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Preterm birth.

RESULTS

The number of ANC visits was associated with preterm birth in a dose-dependent way (p for linear trend <0.001). The adjusted odds of preterm birth were 2.4-times higher (OR 2.37, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.70) among women who received ≤1 ANC compared with women who received ≥3 ANC. We observed a significant reduction of preterm birth rates (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.77) in the period after (2008 to 2009) MNCH project initiation in comparison to the period before (2005 to 2006). Controlling for ANC visits substantially attenuated this observed effect of the MNCH project on preterm birth (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99) (Sobel test of mediation p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ANC visits are associated with decreased occurrences of preterm births. Strengthening the ANC services should be prioritised in countries with high preterm birth rates to reduce the preterm birth burden at the population level.

Incidence, risk factors and consequences of preterm birth - findings from a multi-centric observational study for 14 months in Nepal

Background

Preterm birth is a worldwide epidemic and a leading cause of neonatal mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and consequences of preterm birth in Nepal.

Methods

This was an observational study conducted in 12 public hospitals of Nepal. All the babies born during the study period were included in the study. Babies born < 37 weeks of gestation were classified as preterm births. For the association and outcomes for preterm birth, univariate followed by multiple regression analysis was conducted.

Results

The incidence of preterm was found to be 93 per 1000 live births. Mothers aged less than 20 years (aOR 1.26;1.15–1.39) had a high risk for preterm birth. Similarly, education of the mother was a significant predictor for preterm birth: illiterate mothers (aOR 1.41; 1.22–1.64), literate mothers (aOR 1.21; 1.08–1.35) and mothers having basic level of education (aOR 1.17; 1.07–1.27). Socio-demographic factors such as smoking (aOR 1.13; 1.01–1.26), use of polluted fuel (aOR 1.26; 1.17–1.35) and sex of baby (aOR 1.18; 1.11–1.26); obstetric factors such as nulliparity (aOR 1.33; 1.20–1.48), multiple delivery (aOR 6.63; 5.16–8.52), severe anemia during pregnancy (aOR 3.27; 2.21–4.84), antenatal visit during second trimester (aOR 1.13; 1.05–1.22) and third trimester (aOR 1.24; 1.12–1.38), < 4 antenatal visits during pregnancy (aOR 1.49; 1.38–1.61) were found to be significant risk factors of preterm birth. Preterm has a risk for pre-discharge mortality (10.60; 9.28–12.10).

Conclusion

In this study, we found high incidence of preterm birth. Various socio-demographic, obstetric and neonatal risk factors were associated with preterm birth. Risk factor modifications and timely interventions will help in the reduction of preterm births and associated mortalities.

Trial registration

ISRCTN30829654.

Systematic review of the measurement properties of indices of prenatal care utilization

Background

An accurate assessment of the adequacy of prenatal care utilization is critical to inform the relationship between prenatal care and pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review critically appraises the evidence on measurement properties of prenatal care utilization indices and provides recommendations about which index is the most useful for this purpose.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception to October 2018 using keywords related to indices of prenatal care utilization. No language restrictions were imposed. Studies were included if they evaluated the reliability, validity, or responsiveness of at least one index of adequacy of prenatal care utilization. We used the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. We conducted an evidence synthesis using predefined criteria to appraise the measurement properties of the indices.

Results

From 2664 studies initially screened, 13 unique studies evaluated the measurement properties of at least one index of prenatal care utilization. Most of the indices of adequacy of prenatal care currently used in research and clinical practice have been evaluated for at least some form of reliability and/or validity. Evidence about the responsiveness to change of these indices is absent from these evaluations. The Adequacy Perinatal Care Utilization Index (APNCUI) and the Kessner Index are supported by moderate evidence regarding their reliability, predictive and concurrent validity.

Conclusion

The scientific literature has not comprehensively reported the measurement properties of commonly used indices of prenatal care utilization, and there is insufficient research to inform the choice of the best index. Lack of strong evidence about which index is the best to measure prenatal care utilization has important implications for tracking health care utilization and for formulating prenatal care recommendations.

Neighborhood Racial/Ethnic Composition Trajectories and Black-White Differences in Preterm Birth among Women in Texas

The black-white disparity in preterm birth has been well documented in the USA. The racial/ethnic composition of a neighborhood, as a marker of segregation, has been considered as an underlying cause of the racial difference in preterm birth. However, past literature using cross-sectional measures of neighborhood racial/ethnic composition has shown mixed results. Neighborhoods with static racial/ethnic compositions over time may have different social, political, economic, and service environments compared to neighborhoods undergoing changing racial/ethnic compositions, which may affect maternal health. We extend the past work by examining the contribution of neighborhood racial/ethnic composition trajectories over 20 years to the black-white difference in preterm birth. We used natality files (N = 477,652) from birth certificates for all live singleton births to non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white women in Texas from 2009 to 2011 linked to the Neighborhood Change Database. We measured neighborhood racial/ethnic trajectories over 20 years. Hierarchical generalized linear models examined relationships between neighborhood racial/ethnic trajectories and preterm birth, overall and by mother's race. Findings showed that overall, living in neighborhoods with a steady high proportion non-Hispanic black was associated with higher odds of preterm birth, compared with neighborhoods with a steady low proportion non-Hispanic black. Furthermore, while black women's odds of preterm birth was relatively unaffected by neighborhood proportions of the Latinx or non-Hispanic white population, white women had the highest odds of preterm birth in neighborhoods characterized by a steady high proportion Latinx or a steady low proportion non-Hispanic white. Black-white differences were the highest in neighborhoods characterized by a steady high proportion white. Findings suggest that white women are most protected from preterm birth when living in neighborhoods with a steady high concentration of whites or in neighborhoods with a steady low concentration of Latinxs, whereas black women experience high rates of preterm birth regardless of proportion white or Latinx.

Factors Associated With Prescribed Antenatal Care Utilization: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern Rural China

With relatively sufficient antenatal health service supplies in eastern rural China, the utilization still needs to be improved. The objective of this study was to identify factors that correlate with antenatal care (ANC) utilization from the demand-side in Jiangsu, China. In a cross-sectional survey, a sample of 896 rural women who had a childbearing history in the previous 5 years answered ANC questions and formed the final analysis. Questionnaire was designed based on Andersen’s behavioral model. The outcome variables included receiving times and items of prescribed ANC utilization, and the explanatory variables were organized into 3 hierarchical levels: predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted. In the results of multivariate logistic regression, factors significantly associated with ANC examination times included income, odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 2.90 (1.92-4.39); the distance from the nearest hospital, OR (95% CI) = 0.67 (0.47-0.95); chronic disease, OR (95% CI) = 1.77 (1.15-2.72); and parity, OR (95% CI) = 0.66 (0.46-0.95), while factors significantly associated with ANC examination items included education, OR (95% CI) = 8.02 (1.08-59.67); income, OR (95% CI) = 3.90 (1.72-8.85); female medical staff in towns and villages, OR (95% CI) = 2.64 (1.39-5.02); and parity, OR (95% CI) = 0.41 (0.23-0.75). In reducing inadequate ANC utilization in rural area, efforts should be made not only to target the rural women with lower income, lower educational level, and multi-parity, but also to further improve the accessibility of the primary medical facilities and female staff at the grassroots level.

Application of a Bundle in the Prevention of Peri-Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Newborns

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing a care bundle for preventing peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) in preterm newborns. A longitudinal, quantitative, quasi-experimental study was conducted with preterm newborns from a neonatal unit. The study was divided into 2 stages: the first consisted of a retrospective cohort of newborns (control group) not exposed to the bundle, and the second consisted of 5 practical steps of implementing a care bundle for preventing PIVH in eligible newborns. The results show that a significant reduction in PIVH occurred, from 34.8% before the intervention to 26.3% after application of the bundle. Also, after implementation of the bundle, there was a reduction in the severe forms of PIVH in the newborns who presented with hemorrhage compared with the control group. The study shows how the use of a low-cost and easy operationalization tool can contribute to the health of preterm newborns. It was found that the bundle is directly related to the decrease in the incidence of PIVH. The results may contribute to the improvement in care quality, thus promoting safe care for premature newborns.

Socioeconomic inequalities in maternal health service utilisation: a case of antenatal care in Nigeria using a decomposition approach

BACKGROUND

Antenatal care (ANC) services are critical for maternal health but Nigeria performs poorly in ANC utilisation compared to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess socioeconomic inequalities in ANC utilisation and the determinants of these inequalities in Nigeria.

METHODS

The 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data with 18,559 women was used for analysis. The paper used concentration curves and indices for different measures of ANC utilisation (no ANC visit, 1-3 ANC visits, at least four ANC visits, and the number of ANC visits). A positive (or negative) concentration index means that the measure of ANC utilisation was concentrated on the richer (poorer) population compared to their poorer (richer) counterparts. The concentration indices were also decomposed using standard methodologies to examine the significant determinants of the socioeconomic inequalities in no ANC visit, at least four ANC visits, and the number of ANC visits.

RESULTS

No ANC visit was disproportionately concentrated among the poor (concentration index (CI) = - 0.573), whereas at least four ANC visits (CI = 0.582) and a higher number of ANC visits (CI = 0.357) were disproportionately concentrated among the rich. While these results were consistent across all the geopolitical zones and rural and urban areas, the inequalities were more prevalent in the northern zones (which also have the highest incidence of poverty in the country) and the rural areas. The significant contributors to inequalities in ANC utilisation were the zone of residence, wealth, women's education (especially secondary) and employment, urban-rural residence, ethnicity, spousal education, and problems with obtaining permission to seek health care and distance to the clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing wealth inequalities, enhancing literacy, employment and mitigating spatial impediments to health care use will reduce socioeconomic inequalities in ANC utilisation in Nigeria. These factors are the social determinants of health inequalities. Thus, a social determinants of health approach is needed to address socioeconomic inequalities in ANC coverage in Nigeria.

Adverse neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancy in Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Adolescents have physical, social and psychological characteristics that are different from adults. Adolescent pregnancy results in pregnancy and childbirth complications- an area neglected in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study, therefore, was conducted to assess the adverse neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancy in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institutional-based study was conducted in East Gojjam zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 374 adolescent (15-19 years) and 760 adult (20-34 years) women were included in this study. Data were collected among women who came to randomly selected health facilities in East Gojjam zone. Data were collected by trained research assistants using a structured data collection questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Student's t-tests were utilized. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to adjust for confounding factors of adverse neonatal outcomes. Statistical significance was declared when the p-value was less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Higher proportion of adolescent than adult women were from rural area (57.2% vs 44.7%), were not married (5.1% vs 1.7%), were pregnant for the first time (91.7% vs 34.1%), didn't attend antenatal care (ANC) follow-up (12% vs 4.5%), and had late initiation of ANC follow-up. After adjusting for known confounding factors, the odds of low birth weight (LBW) was higher among adolescents than adult women (AOR 2.14; 95% CI, 1.36, 3.36, p-value = 0.001). Similarly, the odds of preterm birth was higher among adolescents than adult women (AOR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.09, 2.49, p-value = 0.017). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of low Apgar score at first and five minutes after birth and neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission between babies born from adolescent and adult women.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent women were less likely to receive ANC service. Babies born from adolescent women are at higher odds of adverse neonatal outcomes like LBW and preterm birth than babies born from adult women. Use of community- and health facility-based intervention programs that can prevent adolescent pregnancy and reduce adverse neonatal outcomes among adolescent girls is recommended.

Inadequate prenatal care utilization among women with and without methadone-treated opioid use disorders in Taiwan

AIMS

The present study aims to investigate the utilization pattern of prenatal care and correlates for women with opioid use disorders (OUD) in Taiwan.

METHOD

Using the data linkage between the Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) register with national health insurance, national birth notification system, and birth registration system, we identified 1712 pregnancies with 20 or more gestational weeks from women enrolled in the MMT (heroin-exposed: receiving no methadone treatment during pregnancy, n = 1053 by 882 women; methadone-treated: receiving methadone for at least one day during pregnancy, n = 659 by 574 women) and their 1:10 matched pregnancies from 17,060 women without substance use disorder in the period of 2004-2013. The generalized linear mixed models with negative binomial and logit distributions were performed to evaluate the relationship between individual sociodemographic, health, and addiction treatment characteristics with the number of prenatal visits and receiving prenatal care in the first trimester (i.e., early entry).

FINDINGS

Eighteen percent of pregnancies by women with OUD received no prenatal services and 21% had started prenatal care in the first trimester as compared with 1% and 46% in pregnancies by women without substance use disorders. For pregnancies by women with OUD, methadone treatment was not linked associated with prenatal care visits (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.02; 95% = 0.92, 1.12). For methadone-treated pregnancies, treatment enrollment before pregnancy and spousal methadone treatment elevated prenatal visits by 8% and 18% (0.48 and 1.08 visits, respectively). Additionally, HIV infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.83) and prior delivery (aOR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.19) significantly reduced the odds of early entry into prenatal care.

CONCLUSION

Integrating addiction treatment programs with prenatal care is urgently needed to increase adequate prenatal care for pregnant women with OUD, especially the multiparous ones.

The Association of Inadequate and Intensive Prenatal Care With Maternal, Fetal, and Infant Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in Manitoba, Canada

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about how prenatal care influences health outcomes in Canada. The objective of this study was to examine the association of prenatal care utilization with maternal, fetal, and infant outcomes in Manitoba.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study conducted at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy investigated all deliveries of singleton births from 2004-2005 to 2008-2009 (N = 67 076). The proportion of women receiving inadequate, intermediate/adequate, and intensive prenatal care was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of inadequate and intensive prenatal care with maternal and fetal-infant health outcomes, health care use, and maternal health-related behaviours.

RESULTS

The distribution of prenatal care utilization was 11.6% inadequate, 84.4% intermediate/adequate, and 4.0% intensive. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and maternal health conditions, inadequate prenatal care was associated with increased odds of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), admission to the NICU, postpartum depressive/anxiety disorders, and short interpregnancy interval to next birth. Women with inadequate prenatal care had reduced odds of initiating breastfeeding or having their infant immunized. Intensive prenatal care was associated with reduced odds of stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight and increased odds of postpartum depressive/anxiety disorders, initiation of breastfeeding, and infant immunization.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate prenatal care was associated with increased odds of several adverse pregnancy outcomes and lower likelihood of health-related behaviours, whereas intensive prenatal care was associated with reduced odds of some adverse pregnancy outcomes and higher likelihood of health-related behaviours. Ensuring women receive adequate prenatal care may improve pregnancy outcomes.

Periodontal condition is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and premature rupture of membranes in low-income pregnant women in Bogota, Colombia: a case-control study

Objectives: To assess the periodontal condition as a factor associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, premature rupture of membranes (PRM), and preeclampsia in low-income pregnant women treated at public hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia.Methods: Pregnant women with preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) or both conditions (n = 107/428), or only PTB (n = 73/292) or LBW (n = 74/296) or with PRM (n = 98/392) or preeclampsia (n = 76/304) in a ratio of four controls for each case, coming from three hospitals of the public Northern Network of Bogotá, Colombia were studied. Sociodemographic, perinatal adverse outcome history, antenatal care, chronic infections, periodontal condition, threatened abortion, bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, oligohydramnios, diabetes, gestational diabetes, alcohol consumption, hypertension, smoking, alcohol during pregnancy were determined. Logistic regression was conducted to establish factors associated to perinatal adverse outcomes. Multiple correspondence analysis was conducted as secondary analysis.Results: Threatened abortion, absence of antenatal care, hypertension, chronic infections, and periodontal condition were the most important factors associated with perinatal adverse outcomes. The presence of periodontal pockets was associated with LBW OR 2.52 (IC_95% 1.36-4.70), PTB OR 2.04 (IC_95% 1.10-3.64), PTB-LBW or both OR 2.08 (IC_95% 1.18-3.31), PRM OR 2.04 (IC_95% 1.17-3.56). Periodontal pockets presence was not associated with preeclampsia. Multiple correspondence analyses showed high correlation between PRM with chronic infection and presence of periodontal pockets.Conclusions: Periodontal condition is a factor independent of other important risk factors for a perinatal adverse outcome and PRM. Prevention of periodontal disease should be included in preconception and prenatal care programs.

A reassessment of global antenatal care coverage for improving maternal health using sub-Saharan Africa as a case study

BACKGROUND

Antenatal period is an opportunity for reaching pregnant women with vital interventions. In fact, antenatal care (ANC) coverage was an indicator for assessing progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. This paper applies a novel index of service coverage using ANC, which accounts for every ANC visit. An index of service coverage gap is also proposed. These indices are additively decomposable by population groups and they are sensitive to the receipt of more ANC visits below a defined threshold. These indices have also been generalised to account for the quality of services.

METHODS

Data from recent rounds of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) are used to reassess ANC service coverage in 35 sub-Saharan African countries. An index of ANC coverage was estimated. These countries were ranked, and their ranks are compared with those based on attaining at least four ANC visits (ANC4+).

FINDINGS

The index of ANC coverage reflected the level of service coverage in countries. Further, disparities exist in country ranking as some countries, e.g. Cameroon, Benin Republic and Nigeria are ranked better using the ANC4+ indicator but poorly using the proposed index. Also, Rwanda and Malawi are ranked better using the proposed index.

CONCLUSION

The proposed ANC index allows for the assessment of progressive realisation, rooted in the move towards universal health coverage. In fact, the index reflects progress that countries make in increasing service coverage. This is because every ANC visit counts. Beyond ANC coverage, the proposed index is applicable to assessing service coverage generally including quality education.

Maternal socioeconomic factors and the risk of premature birth and low birth weight in Cyprus: a case-control study

Background

Prematurity and low birth weight are significant predictors of perinatal morbidity and mortality and are influenced by the overall health and socioeconomic status of the pregnant mother. Although Cyprus is characterized by the highest prematurity rate in Europe (13.1% in 2014), the relationship between maternal health and socioeconomic characteristics with prematurity and low birth weight has never been investigated. We aimed to investigate the association of maternal demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics with premature delivery and low neonatal birth weight in Cyprus.

Methods

In a case-control design, questionnaire data were collected from 348 women who gave birth prematurely (cases) and 349 women who gave birth at term (controls). Information was obtained on gestation duration and birth weight as well as maternal demographic, socioeconomic and clinical profiles, including parameters such as smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, presence of gestational diabetes and mental health factors.

Results

Premature delivery was associated with greater maternal age (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06–1.18), absence of gestational diabetes (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.97), long working hours (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 2.08–6.84) and emotional stress (OR: 8.5, 95% CI: 3.03–23.89). Within the cases group, emotional stress was also associated with lower birth-weight (β: -323.68 (95% CI: -570.36, − 77.00).

Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrate the positive association of maternal psychological factors, working conditions as well as maternal age with prematurity and low birth weight in Cyprus. Additional, prospective, studies are needed in the country to further investigate these associations and inform public health intervention measures.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12978-018-0603-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Impact of Scientific and Technical Training on Improving Routine Collection of Antenatal Care Data for Maternal and Foetal Risk Assessment: A Case Study in the Province of South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Objectives

First, to assess the impact of scientific and technical training on midwives' abilities in collecting and recording the results of routine antenatal care examinations. Second, to explore midwives' views with regard to factors affecting their abilities to successfully complete the data documentation tasks.

Methods

The study was conducted in South Kalimantan, Indonesia (April 2016-October 2017). Nineteen urban and rural midwives were selected. Access to antenatal care information on 4,946 women (retrospective cohort study) and 381 women (prospective cohort study) was granted. A descriptive and exploratory design was used to describe midwives' abilities and challenges pertaining to timely collection and recording of results concerning antenatal care examinations.

Results

Scientific and technical training has significantly improved the average amount of recorded antenatal care data (from 17.5% to 62.1%, p-value < 0.0005). Lack of awareness, high workload, and insufficient skills and facilities are the main reasons for the database gaps.

Conclusions

The training has equipped midwives with scientific knowledge and technical abilities to allow routine collection of antenatal care data. Provision and adequate use of this information during different stages of pregnancy is crucial as an evidence-based guideline to assess maternal and foetal risk factors to ending preventable mortality.

Attendance at prenatal care and adverse birth outcomes in China: A follow-up study based on Maternal and Newborn's Health Monitoring System

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the independent association between attendance at prenatal care and adverse birth outcomes in China, measured either as the occurrence of preterm birth or low birth weight.

DESIGN

a follow-up study.

SETTING

the data was collected from maternal and newborn's health monitoring system at 6 provinces in China.

PARTICIPANTS

all pregnant women registered in the system at their first prenatal care visit. We included 40152 registered pregnant women who had delivered between October 2013 and September 2014.

MEASUREMENTS

attendance at prenatal care was evaluated using Kessner index. χ² tests were used to examine the correlations between demographic characteristics and preterm birth or low birth weight. The associations between attendance at prenatal care and birth outcomes were explored using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models.

FINDINGS

the prevalence for preterm birth and low birth weight was 3.31% and 2.55%. The null models showed region clustering on birth outcomes. Compared with women who received adequate prenatal care, those with intermediate prenatal care (adjusted OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.37-1.92) or inadequate prenatal care (adjusted OR 2.78, 95%CI 2.24-3.44) had significantly increased risks for preterm birth, and women with intermediate prenatal care (adjusted OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.10-1.55) or inadequate prenatal care (adjusted OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.32-2.19) had significantly increased risks for low birth weight. We found very significant dose-response patterns for both preterm birth (p-trend<0.001) and low birth weight (p-trend = 0.001).

KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

This study shows that attendance at prenatal care in China has independent effects on both preterm birth and low birth weight. Appropriate timing and number of prenatal care visits can help to reduce the occurrence of preterm birth or low birth weight.

Risk factors for preterm, low birthweight and small for gestational age births among Aboriginal women from remote communities in Northern Australia

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors for preterm birth, low birthweight and small for gestational age babies among remote-dwelling Aboriginal women.

METHODS

The study included 713 singleton births from two large remote Aboriginal communities in Northern Territory, Australia in 2004-2006 (retrospective cohort) and 2009-2011 (prospective cohort). Demographic, pregnancy characteristics, labour and birth outcomes were described. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted and adjusted odds ratios were reported.

RESULTS

The preterm birth rate was 19.4%, low birthweight rate was 17.4% and small for gestational age rate was 16.3%. Risk factors for preterm birth were teenage motherhood, previous preterm birth, smoker status not recorded, inadequate antenatal visits, having pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage or placental complications. After adjusting for gender and birth gestation, the only significant risk factor for low birthweight was first time mother. The only significant risk factor for small for gestational age baby was women having their first baby.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of these events are high and have changed little over time. Some risk factors are modifiable and treatable but need early, high quality, culturally responsive women centred care delivered in the remote communities themselves. A different approach is recommended.

Measuring antenatal care use in Europe: is the content and timing of care in pregnancy tool applicable?

OBJECTIVES

Measuring of antenatal care utilisation is important from a public health perspective. The Content and Timing of care in Pregnancy tool (CTP) focuses on the care process and includes aspects on quality of care. The aim of the study is to gain insight in the applicability of the CTP tool across Europe.

METHODS

National guidelines for routine antenatal care were examined, analysing the degree to which the four items in the CTP tool were included in these guidelines.

RESULTS

From the 30 countries, 22 had a national guideline for routine antenatal care. The CTP tool is applicable in over 60% of the European countries with a national guideline.

CONCLUSIONS

The CTP tool can be used to measure antenatal care delivery in Europe. The tool is useful to evaluate the care process, focusing on rates of interventions as the closest approximation to the delivery of health care, with a focus on content of visits rather than simply the number of visits. Together with indicators measuring structure and outcome of health care, conclusions about the quality of care can be made.

Coverage and timing of antenatal care among poor women in 6 Mesoamerican countries

BACKGROUND

Poor women in the developing world have a heightened need for antenatal care (ANC) but are often the least likely to attend it. This study examines factors associated with the number and timing of ANC visits for poor women in Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and El Salvador.

METHODS

We surveyed 8366 women regarding the ANC they attended for their most recent birth in the past two years. We conducted logistic regressions to examine demographic, household, and health characteristics associated with attending at least one skilled ANC visit, four skilled visits, and a skilled visit in the first trimester.

RESULTS

Across countries, 78 % of women attended at least one skilled ANC visit, 62 % attended at least four skilled visits, and 56 % attended a skilled visit in the first trimester. The proportion of women attending four skilled visits was highest in Nicaragua (81 %) and lowest in Guatemala (18 %) and Panama (38 %). In multiple countries, women who were unmarried, less-educated, adolescent, indigenous, had not wanted to conceive, and lacked media exposure were less likely to meet international ANC guidelines. In countries with health insurance programs, coverage was associated with attending skilled ANC, but not the timeliness.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significant policy reforms and initiatives targeting the poor, many women living in the poorest regions of Mesoamérica are not meeting ANC guidelines. Both supply and demand interventions are needed to prioritize vulnerable groups, reduce unplanned pregnancies, and reach populations not exposed to common forms of media. Top performing municipalities can inform effective practices across the region.

Perinatal Health Statistics as the Basis for Perinatal Quality Assessment in Croatia

Context. Perinatal mortality indicators are considered the most important measures of perinatal outcome. The indicators reliability depends on births and deaths reporting and recording. Many publications focus on perinatal deaths underreporting and misclassification, disabling proper international comparisons. Objective. Description of perinatal health care quality assessment key indicators in Croatia. Methods. Retrospective review of reports from all maternities from 2001 to 2014. Results. According to reporting criteria for birth weight ≥500 g, perinatal mortality (PNM) was reduced by 31%, fetal mortality (FM) by 32%, and early neonatal mortality (ENM) by 29%. According to reporting criteria for ≥1000 g, PNM was reduced by 43%, FM by 36%, and ENM by 54%. PNM in ≥22 weeks' (wks) gestational age (GA) was reduced by 28%, FM by 30%, and ENM by 26%. The proportion of FM at 32–36 wks GA and at term was the highest between all GA subgroups, as opposed to ENM with the highest proportion in 22–27 wks GA. Through the period, the maternal mortality ratio varied from 2.4 to 14.3/100,000 live births. The process indicators have been increased in number by more than half since 2001, the caesarean deliveries from 11.9% in 2001 to 19.6% in 2014. Conclusions. The comprehensive perinatal health monitoring represents the basis for the perinatal quality assessment.

Factors associated with the quality of prenatal care: an approach to premature birth

OBJECTIVETo assess the quality of prenatal care in mothers with premature and term births and identify maternal and gestational factors associated with inadequate prenatal care.METHODCross-sectional study collecting data with the pregnant card, hospital records and interviews with mothers living in Maringa-PR. Data were collected from 576 mothers and their born alive infants who were attended in the public service from October 2013 to February 2014, using three different evaluation criteria. The association of prenatal care quality with prematurity was performed by univariate analysis and occurred only at Kessner criteria (CI=1.79;8.02).RESULTSThe indicators that contributed most to the inadequacy of prenatal care were tests of hemoglobin, urine, and fetal presentation. After logistic regression analysis, maternal and gestational variables associated to inadequate prenatal care were combined prenatal (CI=2.93;11.09), non-white skin color (CI=1.11;2.51); unplanned pregnancy (CI=1.34;3.17) and multiparity (CI=1.17;4.03).CONCLUSIONPrenatal care must follow the minimum recommended protocols, more attention is required to black and brown women, multiparous and with unplanned pregnancies to prevent preterm birth and maternal and child morbimortality.

Very low birth weight and perinatal periods of risk: disparities in St. Louis

Objective. Very low birth weight (VLBW) is a significant issue in St. Louis, Missouri. Our study evaluated risk factors associated with VLBW in this predominantly urban community. Methods. From 2000 to 2009, birth and fetal death certificates were evaluated (n = 160, 189), and mortality rates were calculated for perinatal periods of risk. The Kitagawa method was used to explore fetoinfant mortality rates (FIMR) in terms of birth weight distribution and birthweight specific mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the magnitude of association of selected risk factors with VLBW. Results. VLBW contributes to 50% of the excess FIMR in St. Louis City and County. The highest proportion of VLBW can be attributed to black maternal race (40.6%) in St. Louis City, inadequate prenatal care (19.8%), and gestational hypertension (12.0%) among black women. Medicaid was found to have a protective effect for VLBW among black women (population attributable risk (PAR) = −14.5). Discussion. Interventions targeting the health of women before and during conception may be most successful at reducing the disparities in VLBW in this population. Interventions geared towards smoking cessation and improvements in Medicaid and prenatal care access for black mothers and St. Louis City residents can greatly reduce VLBW rates.

Born too soon: care during pregnancy and childbirth to reduce preterm deliveries and improve health outcomes of the preterm baby

Pregnancy and childbirth represent a critical time period when a woman can be reached through a variety of mechanisms with interventions aimed at reducing her risk of a preterm birth and improving her health and the health of her unborn baby. These mechanisms include the range of services delivered during antenatal care for all pregnant women and women at high risk of preterm birth, services provided to manage preterm labour, and workplace, professional and other supportive policies that promote safe motherhood and universal access to care before, during and after pregnancy. The aim of this paper is to present the latest information about available interventions that can be delivered during pregnancy to reduce preterm birth rates and improve the health outcomes of the premature baby, and to identify data gaps. The paper also focuses on promising avenues of research on the pregnancy period that will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of preterm birth and ability to design interventions at the policy, health care system and community levels. At minimum, countries need to ensure equitable access to comprehensive antenatal care, quality childbirth services and emergency obstetric care. Antenatal care services should include screening for and management of women at high risk of preterm birth, screening for and treatment of infections, and nutritional support and counselling. Health workers need to be trained and equipped to provide effective and timely clinical management of women in preterm labour to improve the survival chances of the preterm baby. Implementation strategies must be developed to increase the uptake by providers of proven interventions such as antenatal corticosteroids and to reduce harmful practices such as non-medically indicated inductions of labour and caesarean births before 39 weeks of gestation. Behavioural and community-based interventions that can lead to reductions in smoking and violence against women need to be implemented in conjunction with antenatal care models that promote women's empowerment as a strategy for reducing preterm delivery. The global community needs to support more discovery research on normal and abnormal pregnancies to facilitate the development of preventive interventions for universal application. As new evidence is generated, resources need to be allocated to its translation into new and better screening and diagnostic tools, and other interventions aimed at saving maternal and newborn lives that can be brought to scale in all countries.

Avaliação da qualidade da atenção pré-natal dentre gestantes com e sem história de prematuridade no Sistema Único de Saúde no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

OBJETIVOS: avaliar adequação, acompanhamento pré-natal, satisfação e riscos gestacionais das gestantes com história de prematuridade. MÉTODOS: estudo seccional com 1239 gestantes, 259 com história de prematuridade no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) do RJ em 2007/2008. Informações demográficas, socio-econômicas, história obstétrica, adequação pré-natal e satisfação foram coletadas através de entrevistas e do cartão pré-natal. Utilizou-se teste χ² para comparar o grupo com história de prematuridade com os grupos de baixo risco e sem história de prematuridade. RESULTADOS: não houve diferenças na adequação e no cuidado pré-natal entre as gestantes com história de prematuridade comparadas às de baixo risco gestacional. Houve insatisfação com tempo de espera pelas consultas, horário de funcionamento das unidades de saúde e explicações dos profissionais de saúde. CONCLUSÕES: a presença de história de prematuridade não influenciou para que essas gestantes tivessem um pré-natal de melhor qualidade. As unidades de saúde apresentaram problemas, segundo a percepção das gestantes, em relação ao modo de funcionamento. As explicações dos profissionais de saúde sobre risco da prematuridade não atenderam às expectativas das gestantes.