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Neighborhood Deprivation and Preterm Birth in Plymouth, Uk Publisher Pubmed



Janghorbani M1 ; Stenhouse E2 ; Millward A2 ; Jones RB3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  2. 2. Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
  3. 3. Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom

Source: Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Published:2006


Abstract

Objective. To assess the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and the preterm birth rate in Plymouth, UK, using routinely collected data from a clinical information system. Methods. We used a clinic-based prospective case register study of all births in Plymouth UK between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1997 combined with indices of neighborhood deprivation to assess the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and the preterm birth rate. Areas (n = 43) were classified according to the Townsend index, measuring material deprivation. Preterm births were compared with term births. Results. The incidence of singleton preterm birth was 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6, 6.0). The singleton preterm birth rate increased with Townsend material deprivation score. Crude rates increased by 31% (relative risk (RR) (95% CI) 1.31 (0.94, 1.84), p = 0.056) among those living in the most deprived areas compared to those living in the least deprived areas. A stepwise binary logistic regression model showed an increase in the relative risk of preterm birth of 7% for every unit increase in the Townsend material deprivation score (RR (95% CI) 1.07 (1.03, 1.11)). Conclusion. Neighborhood deprivation is related to preterm birth. Examining individual and neighborhood factors together may increase understanding of the complex causes of preterm birth. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.