Risk factors associated with preterm birth among mothers delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with preterm birth among mothers who delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) in the period of April 2020 to July 2021. Methods A cross-sectional study that employed quantitative approach was done in LRRH. Secondary data was obtained from Lira Regional Referral Hospital medical records of mothers delivered at the facility from April 2020 to July 2021. Data was analyzed in STATA version 15 software. Logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for predictors of preterm birth. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in Logistic regression model and was then used for interpretation of results. Variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to check multicollinearity and model fitness was also tested with linktest. Results The prevalence of preterm birth among mothers who delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital was 35.8%. The logistic regression results identified mother being employed (AOR=0.657, p=0.037, 95% CI =0.443–0.975), mother with low birth weight baby (AOR=0.228, p=0.001, 95% CI =0.099–0.527) and mother with preeclampsia (AOR=0.142, p=0.000, 95% CI =0.088–0.229) as statistically significant predictors of preterm birth. Conclusion The prevalence of preterm birth is high (35.8%) among mothers who delivered at LRRH compared to the national prevalence (13.6%). Preterm birth among mothers who delivered at LRRH are influenced by mothers being employed, mothers with low birth weight baby and mothers who have preeclampsia. Therefore, the study recommended that; The MoH should set up NICUs with new-born care equipment in all of the facilities in the Lango sub-region; increase the capability and on-site mentoring of health professionals to treat prematurely born children; and strengthen the regional referral system. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development should use Labor Officers to enforce the Employment Act and Labor Laws to protect expectant working mothers in the area. This will assist in resolving the issue of preterm birth among employed mothers. Health workers should also identify pregnant mothers at the risk of preterm birth and provide quality healthcare, community health education and awareness campaigns to reduce the rate of preterm birth and its consequences in the region.