Maternal risk factors for preterm birth in Taiwan, a nationwide population-based cohort study

Abstract

Background: The rate of preterm birth is increasing globally. It causes significant short-term and long-term health care burdens. A comprehensive recognition of the risk factors related to preterm births is important in the prevention of preterm birth. Our study is to investigate the incidence and maternal risk factors of preterm birth from a nationwide population-based perspective.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. All live births from 2004 to 2014 in Taiwan enrolled. The main data source was Taiwan's Birth Certificate Application (BCA) database. The BCA database was linked with the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to establish any links between information on newborns and maternal underlying disease.

Results: A total of 1,385,979 births were included in the analysis. The incidence of preterm birth increased gradually in Taiwan from 8.85% in 2004 to 10.73% in 2014. Maternal age, socioeconomic status, maternal allergy and autoimmune diseases, gynecological diseases, and pregnancy-related complications were significant risk factors for preterm birth.

Conclusion: The overall incidence of preterm births has gradually increased in Taiwan. Maternal age, socioeconomic status, certain underlying diseases, and pregnancy-related complications were risk factors for preterm birth.

Keywords: high-risk; maternal health; perinatology; pregnancy; pregnancy complications; premature birth.