title: Methodological issues on planning and running the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assuming that the occurrence of preterm births and their maternal and neonatal associated conditions in Brazil are not completely known, a multicenter study was proposed. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods used, its processes, achievements, and challenges.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multicenter cross-sectional study on preterm births in Brazilian facilities plus a nested case-control study to assess their associated factors. A description of all steps of planning and implementing such a nationwide study, including strategies for dealing with problems arising during the process, is presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  20 referral hospitals in different regions of Brazil participated in the study. A detailed questionnaire for data collection, an electronic platform for data transcription and monitoring, research materials, and specific monitoring tools were developed; then data management and analyses were performed. Finally, we got information on 4,150 preterm births and 1,146 term births.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study represented the first step of a planned comprehensive assessment of preterm birth in Brazil, with detailed information that will lead to several analyses and further studies, bringing the knowledge to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment practices in maternal and perinatal health with the final purpose of reducing the burden of this condition in the country.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Giuliane J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Lajos
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Tedesco
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Passini
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tabata Z
authors.initials: TZ
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcelo L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Nomura
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Rehder
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Samira M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.affiliation: Center for Studies in Reproductive Health of Campinas (CEMICAMP), 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil ; Center for Studies in Reproductive Health of Campinas (CEMICAMP), 13083-881 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jose G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cecatti
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011247:Pregnancy