Abstract:
Background: Preterm birth is a primary cause of newborn
morbidity and mortality. Preterm birth rate in Sri Lanka
ranges from 10-15 per 1000 live births.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence and maternal factors
associated with preterm birth at Teaching Hospital
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Method: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional
study was conducted among all mothers attending
postnatal wards, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit during
October 2023 at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura. Details
of pregnancy, obstetrics and birth profile were collected
using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and data
extraction sheet.
Results: Data were collected from all mothers (n=597)
during their postnatal hospital stay. Prevalence of preterm
birth was 9.5%. Mode of delivery, pregnancy outcome
(singleton/twin), previous history of preterm labour,
previous history of gestational diabetes mellitus,
consanguinity, stressful events during pregnancy,
pregnancy complications like premature rupture of
membranes, pregnancy induced hypertension, placental
abruption, oligohydramnios, cervical incompetence,
chorioamnionitis and vaginal candidiasis were
significantly associated with preterm birth.
Conclusions: Prevalence of preterm birth was 9.5% in
Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. Mode of delivery,
pregnancy outcome, previous history of preterm labour,
previous history of gestational diabetes mellitus,
consanguinity, stressful events during pregnancy,
pregnancy complications and vaginal candidiasis were
significantly associated with preterm birth.
