Reduction in preterm birth rates during and after the COVID-19 lockdown in Queensland Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preventative strategies for preterm birth are lacking. Recent evidence proposed COVID-19 lockdowns may have contributed to changes in preterm birth.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of preterm birth and birth outcomes during and after the COVID-19 lockdown at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the overall state of Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of all births in Queensland including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, during two epochs, April 1-May 31, 2020 (lockdown) and June 1-July 31, 2020 (post-lockdown), compared to antecedent calendar-matched periods in 2018-2019. Prevalence of preterm birth, stillbirth, and late terminations were examined.

Results

There were 64 989 births in Queensland from April to Jul

SUBMITTER: Jasper B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9348165 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature