Preterm birth (PTB) is a major clinical problem associated with prenatal
mortality and morbidity. The aim of the present study is to identify risk factors
associated with PTB in Zawia city, Libya. A case-control study was conducted in
Zawia teaching hospital, from January to June, 2010 with total of 75 cases of PTB and
75 controls of full-term births were screened and enrolled in the study. Multiple
logistic regression model relate to preterm birth with factors can be predicted by
maternal age, multiple gestation, previous preterm birth, hypertension and urinary
tract infection. In this study, it was found that preterm birth is more likely to occur
with increasing maternal age ≥ 35 years than other groups (OR = 6.3, CI 95%, 1.5-
26.6, p = 0.01). In this model, logistic regression was showing increasing risk of
preterm with multiple pregnancy (OR = 8.5, CI 95%, 2.03-35.24, p = 0.001). Previous
preterm was represented an important predictor with developing preterm birth (OR =
1.13, CI 95%, 1.06-1.20, p < 0.0001). Moreover, hypertension was also found
predictor for preterm birth (OR = 1.09, CI 95%, 1.01-1.17, p = 0.01). Finally, it is
almost the same as with urinary tract infection. It is concluded that the main
determinants of PTB in Libya were urinary tract infections, hypertension, in addition
to poor obstetric history.

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