title: Prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of preterm birth in Irbid governorate of Jordan: A retrospective study.
abstract: Prevention is important to reduce the prevalence of preterm births. Although prematurity has been well studied in developed countries, data from developing countries, such as Jordan, are still limited. This retrospective study analysed medical records to determine possible risk factors leading to preterm birth in the Irbid governorate of Jordan. All preterm births during the year 2011 were reviewed. Abstracted data included mother's age and gravidity. Newborn information included gender, birthweight and gestational age at birth. A total of 647 singleton births were included. There were more females than males (54.9% vs. 45.1%), with 75.6% being the second child or more. Half the mothers (50.2%) were 25-35 years of age. Factors associated with preterm birth were male gender (P = 0.008), maternal age > 35 years (P = 0.005) and first birth (P = 0.003). Nurses need to provide support and education to mothers with potential risk about reproductive health and family planning.
authors.affiliation: Maternal and Child Health and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: Khitam
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mohammad
authors.affiliation: Anthropology Department, Faculty of Archaeology & Anthropology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abu Dalou
authors.affiliation: Maternal and Child Health and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: Manal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kassab
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gamble
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Debra K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Creedy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007597:Jordan; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Middle East; birth order; fetal gender; maternal age; preterm birth