Association of objective major life events with the delivery of preterm babies

Introduction In many instances of pre-term deliveries a definite cause cannot be identified. Major objective life events may be associated with some of these cases.

Objectives To assess the significance of major objective life events in preterm deliveries.

Design Cross-sectional case-control study.

Method A pre-tested questionnaire was filled by the mothers under supervision. 100 cases of preterm deliveries and 100 cases of term deliveries were analysed.

Results A sudden reduction of income, hospitalisation of the mother for non-obstetric causes, hospitalisation of an immediate family member and assault by the husband were significantly associated with preterm deliveries. Death of an immediate family member, instances of husband working in the war-torn areas of north and east and a long term illness of a close relative were events which were not significantly associated with pre-term deliveries. 57/100 pre-term deliveries as compared to 21/100 controls had experienced one or more stressful life events (P < 0.05).

Conclusions One or more stressful life events were associated with pre-term delivery.  

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2000; 29: 15-17

(Key words: Life events, preterm babies)

doi: 10.4038/sljch.v29i1.593