Epidemiological Profile and Risk Factors of Preterm Births in two Referral Hospitals of Butembo, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background: Preterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. We distinguish three categories of preterm babies: extremely preterm(less than 28 weeks), very preterm (28 to 32 weeks) and moderate to late preterm (32 to less than 37 weeks). Preterm births constitute a real public health problem that currently needs the attention of pediatricians with their colleagues obstetricians, for it constitutes a leading cause of deaths in children under 5. This study aimed to determine the frequency of preterm birth and linked risk factors, in the two general referral hospitals of Butembo.

Method: it was about a cross-sectional study, carried out in the two referral hospital of Butembo, in the DRC, from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2016. It was observed a sample of 6,253 newborns of two referral hospitals: Katwa and Kitatumba, located in Butembo-DRC, from January 1st 2015 to December 31st, 2016.

Results: The frequency of preterm births was 3.53% in Katwa and Kitatumba referral hospitals. Almost 67% of the preterm births occurred at 32-36 weeks of gestation, and most of preterm newborns weighted between 1000-1499g. There is no significant difference in the distribution of preterm births according to infant sex. Women under 18 and ≥ 35 years old, primiparous and grand multiparous, single, attending to less than 4 antenatal care sessions, and those with a low level of education status were the most concerned with preterm births. Premature rupture of membranes, genital and Urinary tract infections, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and hypertension during pregnancy were retained as principal causes associated to the occurrence of preterm births, as well as those multiple-fetus pregnancies.

Conclusion: The prevention of principal causes of prematurity , and the early management of pregnant women at risk of having a premature delivery will lead to the decrease of preterm birth frequency and therefore to the decrease in infant mortality.