Mother's education and the risk of preterm and small for gestational age birth: a DRIVERS meta-analysis of 12 European cohorts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A healthy start to life is a major priority in efforts to reduce health inequalities across Europe, with important implications for the health of future generations. There is limited combined evidence on inequalities in health among newborns across a range of European countries.

Methods

Prospective cohort data of 75 296 newborns from 12 European countries were used. Maternal education, preterm and small for gestational age births were determined at baseline along with covariate data. Regression models were estimated within each cohort and meta-analyses were conducted to compare and measure heterogeneity between cohorts.

Results

Mother's education was linked to an appreciable risk of preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) births across 12 European count

SUBMITTER: Ruiz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4552914 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature