title: Characteristics of preterm delivery and low birthweight among 113,994 infants in Alberta: 1994-1996.
abstract: This study examined the impact of infant and maternal factors on preterm delivery and low birthweight (LBW) in Alberta between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1996. Data on 113,994 births were collected from vital statistics registration birth data. Logistic regression models for preterm and LBW delivery suggested the key risk factors were multiple and still birth (odds ratios > 22.0). Other characteristics included female gender, birth defects, nulliparous women, maternal age 35 and greater, unmarried, history of abortion, maternal smoking, maternal street drug use, and having less than 4 prenatal visits (odds ratios 0.86-2.54). Interactions between smoking and alcohol, and smoking and parity were noted. Efforts to improve the currently low rates (8.2%) of smoking cessation during pregnancy are required. Social, economic and medical factors associated with delayed childbearing and birth outcomes should be investigated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Room 410 North Tower, 1403 29th St. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9. suzanne.tough@calgaryhealthregion.ca
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tough
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Svenson
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schopflocher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs