IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v4i1e10559 10.2196/10559 Abstract Abstract Risk Factors for Preterm Birth in Morocco, 2017 Khader Yousef Oudrhiri Fadoua Barkat A Khattabi A Assarag B Corresponding Author: Fadoua Oudrhiri f.oudrhiri@gmail.com Jan-Dec2018 29 03 2018 4 1 e10559 29 3 2018 29 3 2018 ©Fadoua Oudrhiri, A Barkat, A Khattabi, B Assarag. Originally published in Iproceedings (http://www.iproc.org), 29.03.2018. 2018

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 Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is a delivery that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. It is the leading cause of newborn deaths in Morocco and worldwide.

 Objective

The aims of our study were to identify the main risk factors of PTB and to propose measures to prevent and improve its management in our context.

 Methods

We conducted case-control study in intensive care unit of neonatal medical service in Rabat university hospital considered as the inter-regional hospital. We included 87 preterm births before 37 gestations weeks and 174 term-controls. Data about the women’s obstetrical and gynecological history, pregnancy complications and behavior during pregnancy was obtained using a structured questionnaire and medical records. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors of preterm birth.

 Results

The PTB incidence was 10.92%,The major factors leading to preterm labor were: herbal medicine use during pregnancy (OR adjusted 20.23, CI 5.39-75.8); Short interpregnancy intervals (OR adjusted 14.62, CI 2.75-77.5), history of preterm delivery (OR adjusted 9.51, CI 1.54-58.6 ); taking medicine during pregnancy (OR adjusted 2.40, CI 0.98-5.91), history of uterine curettage (OR adjusted 7.97, CI 1.63-38.8), having a twin pregnancy (OR adjusted 8.57, CI 1.95-37.7), maternal age less than 20 years old ( OR adjusted 8.32, CI 1.59-43.5); primiparity (OR adjusted 7.31, CI 1.26-42.3); urogenital tract infection(OR adjusted 6.63, CI 2.37-18.4) and insufficient monitoring of pregnancy (OR adjusted 2.78, CI 1.04-7.40).

 Conclusions

Mortality rates of newborn could be reduced if the incidence of prematurity decreases. Therefore, we should improve the prenatal care, the screening and early detection of pregnancies at risk for preterm birth, the screening of urogenital infections. Young women should be aware of risk behaviors during pregnancy.