PREVALENCE OF PRETERM BIRTH AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AT TU DU HOSPITAL IN 2024

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth has consistently been one of the most critical issues in obstetrics, neonatology and public health. It is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality and imposes a significant long-term healthcare burden. In Vietnam, few studies have investigated the prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of preterm birth and its associated factors at Tu Du Hospital in 2024.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tu Du Hospital from June 2024 to December 2024. Systematic random sampling was used to select pregnant women who delivered at Tu Du Hospital. Data were collected through interviews based on a structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance level of p<0,05 to identify factors associated with preterm birth.

Results: From June to December 2024, a total of 476 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of preterm birth was 9.5%. Statistically significant factors associated included: standing for more than six consecutive hours per day OR=5,2, 95% CI [1,91–14,17], p=0,001; vaginal bleeding OR=3,15, 95% CI [1,69–5,86], p<0,001; multiple pregnancy OR=27,90, 95% CI [5,04–154,44], p<0,001; cervical length <25mm OR=13,46, 95% CI [2,57–70,55], p=0,002; history of preterm birth OR=6,48, 95% CI [1,85–22,67], p=0,004).

Conclusions: The prevalence of preterm birth was 9.5%. Factors associated with preterm birth included multiple pregnancy, cervical length <25 mm, a history of preterm birth, standing continuously for more than 6 hours per day, and vaginal bleeding. Among these, prolonged standing at work for more than 6 hours per day was significantly associated with an increased risk (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 1.91–14.17; p = 0.001). This finding adds to domestic epidemiological evidence highlighting the potential impact of occupational working conditions on the risk of preterm birth among pregnant women.