Preterm birth rates in Avon County, England, and urban Ukraine

Objective: We compared rates of total and spontaneous preterm birth in Avon County, England and urban Ukraine to explore whether adverse conditions in the former eastern bloc influenced the preterm rate. Study design: Women who had last menstrual period (LMP) in a specified time window were recruite...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2004-04, Vol.113 (2), p.154-159
Main Authors: Little, R.E, Gladen, Beth C, Birmingham, Karen, Shkyryak-Nyzhnyk, Zoreslava A, Chyslovska, Nataliya
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Eastern Europe
England - epidemiology
Europe
Female
Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - epidemiology
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Maternal Age
Medical sciences
Obstetric Labor, Premature - epidemiology
Obstetrics
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Preterm birth
Risk Factors
Spontaneous preterm birth
Ukraine - epidemiology
Urban Population
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Summary:Objective: We compared rates of total and spontaneous preterm birth in Avon County, England and urban Ukraine to explore whether adverse conditions in the former eastern bloc influenced the preterm rate. Study design: Women who had last menstrual period (LMP) in a specified time window were recruited from geographically defined areas. Data were gathered between 1992 and 1995, using maternal questionnaires and medical record abstraction, with comparable methods in both sites insofar as possible. There were 13,731 births in Avon and 3087 in Ukraine. Rates of total and spontaneous preterm births were compared, taking account of maternal characteristics and other relevant variables. Results: The total preterm birth rates were similar (5.9%, Ukraine; 5.5%, Avon) but the spontaneous preterm rate was about 60% higher in Ukraine (5.0% versus 3.1%). Maternal characteristics and measurement differences did not explain the discrepancy. Conclusion: The difference in the spontaneous preterm rates may reflect differences in obstetrical management resulting from shortages of medical supplies and equipment in Ukraine.
ISSN:0301-2115
1872-7654
DOI:10.1016/S0301-2115(03)00372-5