Risk factors related to childbirth in El Salvador

Abstract

Introduction. Preterm birth is a public health problem, considered a high risk factor for morbidity, disability and neonatal mortality.
Objective. Characterize risk factors related to preterm birth in El Salvador.
Methodology. Analytical cross-sectional study of risk factors related to preterm birth, in women who received childbirth care in the national public health system, during 2017. Data was obtained from the Perinatal Information System. 44 891 cases were analyzed. Qualitative variables were analyzed through absolute values and frequencies, and the quantitative variables, through absolute values, frequency and central tendency measures, using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 24 program. The analysis of relation of variables, was performed with the Epidat version 3.1 program, through the calculation of prevalence ratios (PR) and the calculation of Odds Ratio (OR), both analysis with a 95% confidence interval and a value of p <0.05. Results. 9.5% of the deliveries attended were preterm. The risk analysis through the calculation of prevalence ratios showed that women with a multiple pregnancy were 14 times more likely to have a preterm birth. Preterm birth was 4.7 times more frequent in women with a clinical history of diabetes mellitus and 2.4 times more frequent, with a history of high blood pressure.
Conclusions. Women who have a multiple pregnancy and pregnant women with a clinical history of chronic diseases, and an obstetric history of preeclampsia, are more likely to have a preterm birth. Likewise, obesity and inadequate age for pregnancy, mainly women over 35 years, are also related to preterm birth.