Maternal/caretaker factors associated with preterm births among women at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/9w91w291Keywords:
Preterm birth, antenatal care attendance, maternal nutrition, adolescent pregnancy, pregnancy complications, shortened cervix, maternal health, Mubende Regional Referral HospitalAbstract
Background:
Maternal and caretaker factors significantly influence the risk of preterm births. This study aims to assess the maternal/caretaker factors associated with preterm births among women at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among post-delivery mothers at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and a review of maternity records. Data were analyzed using SPSS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The study had 90 respondents, 45 (50%) were under 20 years old, while the least number of respondents, 4 (4.4%), were aged 50 and older. Regarding Nutrition during Pregnancy, most of the respondents, 50 (55.6%), had very poor (minimal) food intake, while the least number, 4 (4.4%), reported having a very good (balanced) diet. 48 (53.3%) reported having a shortened cervix, while the least, 12 (13.3%), had no pregnancy-related problems. 49 (54.4%) were exposed to secondhand smoke, while the least, 6 (6.7%), reported having no exposure to risk factors such as alcohol or drugs. 47(52%), got prenatal care but not regularly, while the least, 810(9%), received no care at all.
Conclusion:
The study found that maternal and caretaker factors such as young maternal age, poor nutrition during pregnancy, exposure to secondhand smoke, pregnancy complications like a shortened cervix, and irregular antenatal care attendance were common among women with preterm births at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Recommendations:
Pregnant women should be encouraged to attend antenatal care regularly, maintain proper nutrition, and avoid exposure to harmful substances. Health facilities and community programs should also provide education and support, especially for young mothers, and strengthen early screening for pregnancy complications.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Malcom Batte, James Kizito, Hasifah Nansereko, Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu (Author)
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