• J E Nnagbo, G O Ugwu, M I Eze, P U Agu, C L Nnagbo, P C Udealor, E C Ezugwu, E O Ugwu, I U Nwagha, and H U Ezegwui.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2024 Feb 1; 27 (2): 228235228-235.

BackgroundIn the past five years, observational evidence suggests that the rates and determinants of preterm birth may have changed due to the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other humanitarian crises in our environment.AimThis study aimed to determine the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of preterm birth in tertiary hospitals in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 238 pregnant women from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, and Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital (MOCSH), Enugu, from April 2022 to March 2023. Eligible and consenting participants were recruited from 28-36 weeks +6 days of gestational age and followed up until delivery. Relevant outcome variables, such as sociodemographic characteristics, gestational age at delivery, and pregnancy outcomes, were recorded in a pro forma. These data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics for Windows, version 22.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.ResultsThe incidence of preterm birth was 16.6% (37/223), with spontaneous preterm birth constituting 24 of 37 (64.5%) cases. The mean age of participants was 30.3 ± 4.8 years. Advanced maternal age (>35 years) (P = 0.01, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =0.01, confidence interval (CI): 0.00-0.144), low socioeconomic status (P = 0.04, AOR = 0.40, CI: 0.11-1.46), and history of miscarriage (P = 0.02, AOR = 0.06, CI: 0.01-0.59) were the factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Neonatal death occurred in 21.6% (8/37) of cases within the first 24 hours. Rates of cesarean section and low birth weight were 73% (27/37) each.ConclusionsThe incidence of preterm birth is high in Enugu, and associated factors were advanced maternal age, low socioeconomic status, and a history of miscarriage.Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.

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