Spontaneous Preterm Labor/ Premature Rupture Of Fetal Membranes SPL/PROM: HIGHER ASSOCIATION WITH LOW SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Different studies have already shown some form of correlation between low socio-economic
standards and increased rate of spontaneous preterm labor (SPL). The specific incidence of
premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) in these cases is not yet well-defined. The target of
this work was to investigate the correlation between the socio-economic status and PROM in our
Upper Egyptian Society.
MATERIAL/METHODS:
Laboring women in three maternity clinics in Upper Egypt between 2013 and 2015 were included
in this cross-sectional study. Rate of PROM and SPL (16 to 36 weeks of gestation) was calculated
for different socio-economic strata, and the confounding variables were statistically evaluated
using Poisson regression.
RESULTS:
Out of the 5003 singleton gravidas included in the study, 313 (6.2%) had PROM and SPL.
PROM/SPL was more prevalent in women of low socioeconomic standards, (prevalence ratio [PR]
=2.31), lower education level (PR=2.43), hemoglobin level <10g/dl (PR= 1.94), lower genital tract
infection (PR= 2.11) and history of previous PROM or SPL (PR=2.30). There was no preference
for maternal age or parity.
CONCLUSIONS:
SPL/PROM tends to be more prevalent amongst women of lower socio-economic standards. This
might be positively correlated with poor nutritional level and higher incidence of genital infection.
These primary and secondary factors are to be considered in the plan for prophylaxis.