Clinical and sociodemographic correlates of preterm deliveries in two tertiary hospitals in southern Nigeria

Summary

Background

To determine the prevalence of preterm delivery and identify the associated risk factors.

Design

This was a five - month prospective case control study of two cohorts of women who had preterm and term deliveries.

Setting

Central Hospital (CH), Warri, and Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, respectively in southern Nigeria.

Participants

522 women which consisted of 174 who presented in preterm labour or with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes as cases and 348 parturient with term deliveries served as controls.

Interventions

The study was conducted from May 1st 2015 to September 30th 2015. Socio - demographic characteristics, past gynaecological/obstetric factors, maternal/obstetric factors, and fetal outcomes were compared, and associations between these variables and gestational age at delivery were determined.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of preterm delivery associated clinical and socio-demographic correlates and the fetal salvage rates.

Results

The incidence of preterm birth was 16%. Maternal age (p < 0.002), parity (p < 0.000), booking status (p < 0.000), and socio - economic class (p < 0.000) were significantly associated with preterm births. Others were multiple pregnancy (p < 0.000), pre - eclampsia/eclampsia (p < 0.000), anaemia (p < 0.000), malaria (p < 0.000), UTI (p < 0.012), premature rupture of membrane (p < 0.000) and antepartum haemorrhage (p < 0.000). Fetal salvage rate was zero for extreme preterm neonates and 100% at late preterm.

Conclusion

Preterm birth was common, with well-defined correlates and predictors. The fetal salvage rates were significantly different across the categories of preterm neonates.

Funding

The study was self-funded by the authors

Introduction

Globally, about thirteen million preterm babies are born each year.^1–6 Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a major clinical problem associated with perinatal mortality, severe neonatal morbidity and moderate to severe childhood disability.^1,7–11 The percentage of preterm deliveries has risen steadily over the last two decades. Most of this increase has been among children born at 32 to 36 weeks gestation.^12,13 Although only 5 – 11% of births occur preterm, they account for about 85% of early neonatal deaths in normally formed babies and up to 75% of perinatal mortality in some series.^3,7,9–11

While only 0.87% of all live births occur at a gestational age less than 31weeks, births below this gestational age are responsible for 84% of the neonatal mortalities among infants of all gestational ages.¹⁰ Compared with infants born at term , preterm infants have a much greater risk of death and disability.¹² In Nigeria, preterm babies account for 40 – 60% of all perinatal deaths.¹¹ By gestational age, 5.2% of preterm births occur at less than 28 weeks gestation (extremely preterm), 10.4% at 28 – <32 weeks (very preterm), and 85.3% at 32 –36 weeks (Moderate - late preterm).^4,6,14–16

Preterm delivery could be spontaneous or induced.^12,16–18 Clinical and socio-demographics variables which are usually not apparent have been associated with spontaneous preterm delivery.^{3,9–11–16,18–20} Preterm neonates are more likely to have difficulty with feeding, blood glucose control, jaundice, temperature instability, apnoea, respiratory distress, sepsis, wide spectrum of neuro - developmental disabilities, as well as growth and health problems either singly or in combination compared to neonates delivered at term.^12,13,18 Consequent upon these complications, the birth of a preterm neonate can bring with it considerable emotional and economic costs to families with its attendant implications for public-sector services.^12,16,17 The United States in 2005, estimated the annual societal economic burden associated with preterm birth at $26.2 billion minimum.¹²

The survival of preterm infants is a function of both their biological maturity and technological advancement of any given setting. While technological advancement has continued to show marked improvement in developed countries with increasing survival of extremely preterm babies^11,17, the same cannot be said of the developing countries. especially in Africa where there is poor health infrastructure, poverty, mass illiteracy, gross gender inequality and numerous conflicts, and lack of equipment, manpower, and support services necessary to float a functioning neonatal intensive care service.^11,17 In the light of this, the plausible way of reducing the burden of preterm birth on our health sector is by reducing its incidence, starting with a proper understanding of the factors associated with these births.^17,18

It is against this backdrop that this study was conceptualized with the overall aim of determining the prevalence of preterm delivery in Delta State University Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital Warri, in Delta State, identify the associated clinical and socio-demographic correlates and compute the fetal salvage rates for the different categories of preterm births. This will certainly add to the existing data on preterm delivery both at the local, regional and national level as well as facilitate the formulation of appropriate interventions that will help reduce the burden of preterm births and optimize perinatal outcomes.

Methods

The study was conducted over a 5-month period, May 1^st 2015 to September 30^th 2015 at the Central Hospital (CH), Warri, Delta State and Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, Delta State respectively in southern Nigeria.

The combined average monthly delivery rate is 400 and a combined average annual delivery rate of 4000; of these, about 25% (100) are preterm deliveries. Both hospitals are equipped with neonatal intensive care unit run by Neonatologists, resident Doctors, and neonatal care nurses. It was a prospective case - control study. The cases were women who presented in preterm labour or with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes at the gestation ages of 24 weeks completed to 36 weeks plus 6 days, and subsequently progressed to have preterm delivery. For each case of preterm delivery, the next two consecutive parturients with term deliveries served as controls. The term deliveries were between 37 weeks completed and 41 weeks plus 6 days. The limit of viability for this study was 24 weeks and preterm births were sub - classified into extremely preterm (<28 weeks), very preterm (28 – 31 weeks), moderate preterm (32 – 33 weeks) and late preterm (34 – 36 weeks)¹⁴. Stillbirths for the purpose of this study were babies born without signs of life at ≥24 weeks gestational age.

In both cases and controls, only parturients who were sure of their last normal menstrual period or had an early obstetric ultrasound scan, had regular menstrual cycles prior to pregnancy and had not used hormonal contraception in the preceding three months prior to pregnancy were recruited. Women who delivered post term (≥ 42 weeks), and those whose babies had gross congenital malformations were excluded from the study.

Participants were counselled about the study following which informed consent was obtained. Upon recruitment, data sheet designed for the purpose was used to extract sociodemographic and clinical information through oral interview and complete physical examination of the participants. The results of investigations conducted were also recorded. After delivery, information on the type of delivery as well as mode of delivery were documented. Fetal outcome with regard to stillbirths, early neonatal deaths, defined as deaths within the first 7 days after birth, and admission into the neonatal intensive care unit was also documented.

Parturients discharged within the first week post-delivery were followed up via daily telephone calls as adverse neonatal events might have occurred post discharge. This was used in estimating the fetal salvage rate which was calculated using the formula below:

Fetal Salvage Rate (%) FSR = $\frac{\text{F }(alive)\times 100}{\text{F }(total)}$ Where FSR = Fetal salvage rate, F (alive): number of neonates alive after 7days in preterm category; and F (total): number of live births in preterm category.

The socio - economic status of parturients was determined using the educational and occupational status of the parturients and their spouses/consorts according to Oyedeji's model where parturients were grouped into class I, II, III, IV and V. Classes I – III corresponded to upper class while IV and V corresponded to the lower class.¹⁹ The total number of deliveries during the study period was obtained and used in calculating the prevalence of preterm delivery. The study was approved by the Health Research and Ethics Committee of both study centres (DELSUTH/HREC/2014/025 and CHW/ECC/VOL 1/47).

The minimum sample size calculated using OpenEpi²⁰ was 522. This consisted of 174 cases and 348 controls in a ratio of 1:2. The recorded data was coded and fed into the computer using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago Il., USA) software version 20 and this was also used for the analysis of the data which consisted of univariate and bivariate analysis, and comparison of identified relationships. Test of statistical significance were based on 95% confidence interval (p<0.05) using the X² test with Yates or Fischer exact correction where applicable. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the strength of associations between multiple independent variables and pre-term delivery with a view to eliminate effects of potential confounding variables.

Results

This was a case control study involving 174 women who delivered preterm and 348 women who delivered at term. There was a total of 2,200 deliveries during the study period. Of these there were 1,850 term and 350 preterm deliveries. This gave a preterm delivery incidence rate of 16%. The data obtained following analysis are presented in Tables 1–6.

Table 1.

Socio - demographic variables of parturients at term and preterm

Variables		Gestational age category
		Preterm	Term
		N (%)	N (%)
Age Group	15–19	10(5.7)	3(0.9)
	20–24 25–29	13(7.5) 49(28.2)	45(12.9) 78(22.4)
	30–34	64(36.8)	153(44.0)
	35–39	30(17.2)	60(17.2)
	>40	8(4.6)	9(2.6)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Parity Group	0	67(38.5)	84(24.1)
	1–4	89(51.1)	249(71.6)
	>5	18(10.3)	15(4.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Booking Status	Booked	138(79.3)	330(94.8)
	Unbooked	36(20.7)	18(5.2)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Marital Status	Married	159(91.4)	318(91.4)
	Single	12(6.9)	15(4.3)
	Cohabiting	3(1.7)	15(4.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Socio-Economic Class	1.00	22(12.6)	69(19.8)
	2.00	36(20.7)	123(35.3)
	3.00	76(43.7)	124(35.6)
	4.00	40(23.0)	32(9.2)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)

Table 6.

Foetal salvage rates for parturients in DELSUTH/Central Hospital Warri

Variables				GESTATIONAL AGE GROUPS
				24–27WKS	28–31WKS	32–33WKS	34–36WKS
				N (%)	N (%)	N (%)	N (%)
Place of Delivery	DELSUTH	Foetal Status 8th Day	ALIVE	0(0.0)	12(54.5)	9(100.0)	18(100.0)
			DEAD	1(100.0)	10(45.5)	0(0.0)	0(0.0)
			Total	1(100.0)	22(100.0)	9(100.0)	18(100.0)
	CHW	Foetal Status 8th Day	ALIVE	0(0.0)	3(60.0)	11(100.0)	70(95.9)
			DEAD	2(100.0)	2(40.0)	0(0.0)	3(4.2)
			Total	2(100.0)	5(100.0)	11(100.0)	73(100.0)
	Total	Foetal Status 8th Day	ALIVE	0(0.0)	15(55.6)	20(100.0)	88(96.7)
			DEAD	3(100.0)	12(44.4)	0(0.0)	3(3.3)
			Total	3(100.0)	27(100.0)	20(100.0)	91(100.0)

Yates's corrected Chi square:

DELSUTH: χ²= 11.503, p <0.009

CHW: χ²=17.281, p < 0.001

Table 1 shows the socio-demographic characteristics, past obstetric and gynaecological history of parturients. The mean age for the cases was 29.9±5.7 years and the mean age of the controls was 30.4±5.1 years. Statistically significant higher proportions of 15–19, 25–29 and >40 year olds were in the preterm category (p <0.0002). The parturients with preterm births had statistically significant higher proportions of primigravidae and grand multiparous women (p <0.001). Furthermore, 20.7% of parturients with preterm births were unbooked, compared with parturients who had term delivery in which only 5.2% were un-booked. Similarly, parturients with preterm delivery were predominantly of low socioeconomic status compared to parturients with term delivery, with the difference being statistically significant (p-value <0.001).

Table 2 shows the Past obstetric and gynaecologic history of the participants. The history of previous preterm birth, frequency of preterm births, previous termination of pregnancy and frequency of termination of pregnancy were similar in both cases and control and did not show any significant association with preterm births.

Table 2.

Past obstetric and gynaecologic history of the parturients

Variables		Gestational age category
		Preterm	Term
		N (%)	N (%)
Previous Preterm Birth	YES	12(6.9)	12(3.4)
	NO	162(93.1)	336(96.6)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Frequency Of Preterm Births	.00	162(93.1)	336(96.6)
	1.00	12(6.9)	12(3.4)
	2.00	0(0.0)	0(0.0)
	≥3.00	0(0.0)	0(0.0)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Previous Termination Of Pregnancy	YES	90(51.7)	174(50.0)
	NO	84(48.3)	174(50.0)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Frequency Of termination Of Pregnancy	.00	84(48.3)	174(50.0)
	1.00	23(13.2)	63(18.1)
	2.00	36(20.7)	57(16.4)
	≥3.00	31(17.8)	54(15.5)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)

Table 3 shows the Medical and Obstetric conditions in index pregnancy of parturients. Thirty-three (19%) parturients with preterm births and 7 (2.0%) parturients with term births had multiple pregnancies respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, parturients with preterm births predominantly suffered pre-eclampsia and eclampsia compared with parturients who had term delivery (p-value <0.001).

Table 3.

Medical/Obstetric conditions in index pregnancy of the parturients

Variables		Gestational age category
		Preterm	Term
		N (%)	N (%)
Multiple Pregnancy	YES	33(19.0)	7(2.0)
	NO	141(81.0)	341(98.0)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Preeclampsia/Eclampsia	YES	86(49.4)	51(14.7)
	NO	88(50.6)	297(85.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Haematocrit	<30%	48(27.6)	18(5.2)
	>30%	126(72.4)	330(94.8)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Malaria	YES	22(12.6)	12(3.4)
	NO	152(87.4)	336(96.6)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
UTI	YES	10(5.7)	6(1.7)
	NO	164(94.3)	342(98.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
PROM	YES	57(32.8)	6(1.7)
	NO	117(67.2)	342(98.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
APH	YES	18(10.3)	6(1.7)
	NO	156(89.7)	342(98.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)
Abdominal Massage	YES	12(6.9)	13(3.7)
	NO	162(93.1)	335(96.3)
	Total	174(100.0)	348(100.0)

They were also more likely to be anaemic (27% versus 5.2% respectively), have suffered malaria (12.6% versus 3.4%), had urinary tract infection (5.7% versus 1.7%), suffered PROM (32.8% versus 1.7%), and had APH (6.9% versus 3.7%). These differences were statistically significant (p-values < 0.001). Though the proportion of those who had abdominal massage was higher in parturients with preterm births compared to those with term births, the differences were not statistically significant (p-value < 0.111).

Table 4 shows the multiple logistic regression of risk factors for preterm delivery. Two variables, frequency of preterm birth and ≥3 previous TOP were excluded from the analysis due to high collinearity.

Table 4.

Multiple Logistic Regression of risk factors for preterm delivery

	Odds Ratio	95% Confidence Interval
		Upper	Lower
Age	0.493	0.261	0.931
<30years ≥30 years
Parity	3.563	1.092	11.628
<5 ≥5
Booking Status	0.625	0.235	1.661
Booked Unbooked
Marital Status	0.597	0.222	1.609
Married Single
Socioeconomic class	1.235	0.508	3.002
≤3 ≥4
Previous preterm birth	3.100	1.077	8.926
Yes No
Previous TOP	0.754	0.327	1.740
Yes No
Frequency of TOP	0.863 0.662	0.316 0.243	2.353 1.799
1 2
Multiple pregnancy	8.521	2.546	28.518
Yes No
Preeclampsia	17.277	9.177	32.528
Yes No
Haematocrit	2.728	1.166	6.384
>30 ≥30
Malaria	3.690	1.272	10.706
Yes No
UTI	0.996	0.211	4.707
Yes No
PROM	59.930	21.307	168.566
Yes No
APH	14.840	4.360	50.510
Yes No
Abdominal massage	2.055	0.602	7.012
Yes No

Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using gestational age as the independent variable and the listed variables as dependent co-variate.

The identified predictors of preterm delivery were parity, previous preterm birth, multiple pregnancies, pre-eclampsia, anaemia, malaria, urinary tract infection (UTI), PROM, antepartum haemorrhage (APH) and abdominal massage.

PROM remained the single most important predictor with the highest odds for preterm delivery (OR = 59.93, 95% CI, 21.307–168.566). Similarly, parturients who suffered pre-eclampsia/eclampsia syndrome, APH, and multiple pregnancies respectively had about 17, 14, and 8 folds odds of having a preterm delivery (OR=17.277, 95% CI, 9.177–32.528), (OR = 14.840, 95% CI, 4.360–50.510) and (OR = 8.521, 95% CI, 2.546–28.518). Additionally, women with malaria (OR = 3.690, 95% CI, 1.272–10.706), grand multiparity (OR = 3.563, 95% CI, 1.092–11.628), and previous preterm delivery (OR = 3.100, 95% CI, 1.077–8.926) had about 3-fold probability of having preterm births. Anaemic women also had about 3-fold chance of preterm delivery (OR = 2.728, 95% CI, 1.166–6.384). Abdominal massage had over 2-fold odds of having preterm birth though this did not show statistical significance.

Table 5 shows the Pattern of foetal outcome among parturients who delivered preterm. There was statistically significant differences in the pattern of foetal outcome [stillbirth and NICU admission rates in particular] (p < 0.000), neonatal weight (p < 0.000), and fifth minute Apgar score (p < 0.022). The probability of having a stillbirth was significantly higher in parturients who delivered at a gestational age of 24–27 weeks and least in those of gestational age of 34–36 weeks. The majority of early and moderately preterm neonates were admitted in the NICU. The main indication for admission was prematurity. Majority of the neonates in the late term group had normal Apgar scores compared to the early and moderate preterms, where mild birth asphyxia predominated.

Table 5.

Pattern of foetal outcome among parturients who delivered preterm

Variables		GESTATIONAL AGE GROUPS
		24–27WKS	28–31WKS	32–33WKS	34–36WKS
		N (%)	N (%)	N (%)	N (%)
Fetal Outcome	STILLBIRTH	7(70.0)	8(22.9)	6(23.1)	12(11.7)
	ENND	0(0.0)	1(2.9)	0(0.0)	3(2.9)
	NICU	3(30.0)	26(74.3)	16(61.5)	33(32.0)
	WITH MOTHER	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	4(15.4)	55(53.4)
	Total	10(100.0)	35(100.0)	26(100.0)	103(100.0)
Neonatal Weight Group	<1.0kg	8(80.0)	3(8.6)	0(0.0)	0(0.0)
	1.0–1.49kg	2(20.0)	20(57.1)	3(11.5)	3(2.9)
	1.5–2.49kg	0(0.0)	11(31.4)	17(65.4)	41(39.8)
	2.5–3.99kg	0(0.0)	1(2.9)	6(23.1)	59(57.3)
	≥4.0kg	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	0(0.0)
	Total	10(100.0)	35(100.0)	26(100.0)	103(100.0)
5th Minute Apgar Score	AS < 4	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	0(0.0)
	AS 4 & 5	2(66.7)	5(18.5)	0(0.0)	5(5.5)
	AS 6	1(33.3)	13(48.1)	12(60.0)	33(36.3)
	AS > 6	0(0.0)	9(33.3)	8(40.0)	53(58.2)
	Total	3(100.0)	27(100.0)	20(100.0)	91(100.0)
Indication For NICU Admission	Prematurity	2(66.7)	21(80.8)	8(50.0)	14(42.4)
	Severe Birth Asphyxia	0(0.0)	3(11.5)	3(18.8)	8(24.2)
	Presumed Neonatal Sepsis	1(33.3)	2(7.7)	5(31.2)	11(33.3)
	Total	3(100.0)	26(100.0)	16(100.0)	33(100.0)

Yates's corrected Chi square:

Fetal outcome: : χ²= 51.874, p-value =0.000

Neonatal weight group: : χ²=156.841, p-value =0.000

5^th minute APGAR Score: : χ²=14.762, p-value =0.022

NICU: : χ²= 7.19, p-value 0.304

Table 6 displays the Foetal salvage rates. The foetal salvage rate was 100% at 32 – 33weeks gestation but was 0% at 24–27 weeks in both study centres.

Discussion

The results demonstrated that preterm birth was common in the study centres, with well-defined correlates and predictors. The fetal salvage rates were also significantly different across the categories of preterm neonates. The incidence of preterm delivery in this study of 16% is at variance with reports of previous studies from different regions of Nigeria, West African and European Nations. It was higher than previously reported in some instances^{9,11,16,27,30} and lower in other instances.¹⁷

Differences in methodology of the respective studies is thought to have partly accounted for this, considering the fact that therapeutic/medically indicated preterm deliveries were excluded from the findings of Ezechi et al, and Mukuolu excluded multiple gestation. It was not apparent why a high incidence was found in Kunle - Olowu's study, however it is possible that the HIV positive status of the women in the study population was a contributory factor.

The results indicated that premature rupture of membrane was the strongest predictor of preterm birth as pregnancies which were complicated by preterm rupture of membrane in this study were almost sixty times more likely to end in preterm delivery when compared to those without PROM. The risks of preterm births were also significantly elevated in women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, antepartum haemorrhage and multiple pregnancy.

These findings compare favourably with reports of previous studies.^{3,5,11,26–29,30},³³,⁴² Majority of women who presented with preeclampsia/eclampsia were preterm and their deliveries were indicated to halt the progression of the disease process and its consequences. Again multiple pregnancy is associated with a variety of complications usually necessitating early delivery and these includes preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, preterm labour and increased intervention from medical and obstetric complications.^7,21,22

Socio - demographic factors also showed some association with preterm births in this study. Extremes of reproductive age group, primigravidity and grandmultiparity, being unbooked, and low socioeconomic status were shown on bivariate analysis to be statistically significantly associated with preterm births, however on multivariate logistic regression model these association were attenuated except for parity that showed consistent association with the risk of preterm births with almost a 4-fold risk.

Our findings from the multivariate logistic regression analysis in which there was attenuation of the strength of socio-demographic variables being strong predictors of preterm birth is consistent with reports of earlier works.^{3,10,11,27–30},³³,⁴¹ Similarly, earlier reports are in agreement with the finding of this study that only parity remained consistently a significant risk factor for preterm births.^7,10,11,29 The implication of this is that the present study failed to show a strong independent association of sociodemographic variables except for parity with the risk of preterm birth. The potential effects of sociodemographic characteristics is therefore modulated by other intermediating factors (medical and obstetric parameters) that triangulate with them to bring about preterm births. This study further underscores the fact that health seeking behaviour in our setting is not totally a function of being booked or the patient's socio-economic status.

This study unlike previous reports^7,26–28,³⁴,³⁵ did not associate marital status with the risk of preterm delivery. However, Umeora et al and Mokuolu et al^11,30 reported similar finding as noted in this study in their respective works. We hypothesize that this finding is predicated on the homogeneity of the marital status of the cases and controls in this study.

Interestingly this study found on bivariate analysis that previous preterm birth was not a significant predictor of preterm delivery, and this seem to be contrary to findings of several other local and international studies.^{3,7,10,11,18,21,23–26}

A few other studies had also found similarly that there was no association between previous preterm birth and the risk for preterm delivery.²⁷,³³ However on multivariate logistic regression analysis, previous preterm delivery was shown to increase the risk for preterm birth by over 3-fold chance (Odds ratio = 3.100, 95% CI = 1.077 − 8.926). This certainly gives credence to its importance as a predictor of preterm birth. Previous termination of pregnancy was not significantly associated with preterm delivery in this study, as also shown by a few previous Nigerian studies,^10,27,29 but contrast with the findings of several other studies where previous termination of pregnancy was associated with preterm delivery.^{10,21,23,26,27} The exact reason for this we are unable to explain, and we suggest further research in this regard.

The practice of ‘rubbing’, otherwise referred to in this study as ‘abdominal massage’ is one peculiar to the Niger - Delta region of Nigeria. It involves repeated massage of the abdomen of pregnant women by traditional birth attendants including the external manipulation of the fetus akin to external cephalic version.

This is usually vigorous and cuts across booked and unbooked parturients. It is thought to improve the wellbeing of the foetus, ensure that it is correctly ‘positioned’ and facilitate vaginal delivery. It has from anecdotal reports been known to result in premature rupture of membranes, abruptio placentae and uterine rupture. No statistically significant association was established between abdominal massage and preterm delivery in this study (p <0.111), however parturients who had abdominal massage in this study were twice as likely to have preterm delivery compared to those who did not.

Complications of preterm birth are the leading direct cause of neonatal mortality, accounting for an estimated 27% of the almost four million neonatal deaths annually, and act as a risk factor for many neonatal deaths due to other causes, particularly infections.⁴ This study was carried out in two centres, DELSUTH, Oghara and Central Hospital, Warri. There were statistically significant differences in foetal salvage rates between gestational age categories in DELSUTH (p = 0.009) and Central Hospital Warri (p = 0.001). Two deliveries were recorded below 28weeks in Central Hospital, Warri and one in DELSUTH, Oghara. These babies died before the 8^th day post-delivery, giving a 100% case fatality rate.

While the distribution of deliveries in the very preterm, moderate and late preterm categories in DELSUTH was skewed towards the early preterm category with a fetal salvage rate of 54.5%, the same could not be said of Central Hospital, Warri where the bulk of preterm deliveries was in the late preterm category with a fetal salvage rate of 95.9%. Kuti and colleagues²⁸ from South - west Nigeria in their study on gestational age-specific neonatal mortality among preterm singleton births, recorded 100% case fatality rate in babies born before 28weeks gestation. This was attributed mainly to respiratory distress syndrome. This was similar to the findings of Ugwu et al.⁵ and Ugwu et al.²⁹, both from the South - south region of Nigeria. Trotman et al.³⁰ working from the West Indies recorded a 97% case fatality rate for babies born before 27weeks gestation. On a global scale, the World Health Organization has determined that half the babies born at 32weeks gestation continue to die due to lack of feasible, cost effective care such as warmth, breast feeding support and basic care for infections as well as breathing difficulties.¹⁴

The results of the present case-control study could be faulted on the basis that significant information obtained was based on self-reporting of events rather on more robust outcome indicators except for the clinical assessment and laboratory investigations. However, self-reporting of perinatal adverse outcomes has proven useful within the context of developing countries as the cohort of cases would be well motivated to be forthright and recall as much as possible correctly in the bid of seeking solutions to the challenge of their reproductive career.

Additionally, we believe that a careful interviewing procedure and a detailed explanation of the study protocol limited recall bias. Furthermore, although women with preterm deliveries and adverse perinatal outcomes may be better motivated to report a history of past preterm deliveries and perinatal morbidities and mortality, this was nevertheless counterbalanced by the detailed and sensitive interviewing of both cases and controls. Thus, we believe that the results of the present study are valid and make an important contribution to understanding the problems of preterm deliveries and its associated clinical and socio-demographic variable in Nigeria.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study showed that preterm births continue to be a major public health concern with a reported incidence rate of 16%. Premature rupture of membrane was the strongest predictor of preterm birth. The study failed to show a strong independent association between sociodemographic variables and the risk of preterm birth, except for parity.

In terms of gestational age specific fetal salvage rates, this was zero for extremely preterm neonates with significant difference in fetal salvage rates across the categories of preterm neonates. Efforts to address the foregoing factors, which are predictors of preterm births and health-seeking behaviour with a view to achieving increased awareness and utilization of antenatal care among the female population will likely contribute to reducing the burden of preterm delivery in Nigeria and by extension other developing nations.