A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of trends and risk factors for preterm birth in the Northern Territory, Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is the single most important cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity in high income countries. In Australia, 8.6% of babies are born preterm but substantial variability exists between States and Territories. Previous reports suggest PTB rates are highest in the Northern Territory (NT), but comprehensive analysis of trends and risk factors are lacking in this region. The objective of this study was to characterise temporal trends in PTB among First Nations and non-First Nations mothers in the Top End of the NT over a 10-year period and to identify perinatal factors associated with the risk of PTB.

Methods

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of all births in the Top End of the NT over the 10-year period from January 1st, 200

SUBMITTER: Brown K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10768210 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature