Population-Based Estimation of the Preterm Birth Rate in Lilongwe, Malawi: Making Every Birth Count

• Main Authors: Kathleen M. Antony, Peter N. Kazembe, Ryan M. Pace, Judy Levison, Henry Phiri, Grace Chiudzu, Ronald Alan Harris, Rose Chirwa, Mary Nyondo, Ellina Marko, Andrew Chigayo, Debora Nanthuru, Bertha Banda, Nicholas Twyman, Susan M. Ramin, Susan P. Raine, Michael A. Belfort, Kjersti M. Aagaard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 2020-01-01
• Series: American Journal of Perinatology Reports
• Subjects: preterm birth; malawi; global health; global; maternal health
• Online Access: http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0040-1708491
• ISSN: 2157-6998; 2157-7005

Objective The objective of this study was to perform a population-based estimation of the preterm birth (PTB) rate in regions surrounding Lilongwe, Malawi. Study Design We partnered with obstetrician specialists, community health workers, local midwives, and clinicians in a 50 km region surrounding Lilongwe, Malawi, to perform a population-based estimation of the PTB rate during the study period from December 1, 2012 to May 19, 2015. Results Of the 14,792 births captured, 19.3% of births were preterm, including preterm early neonatal deaths. Additional PTB risk factors were similarly prevalent including domestic violence, HIV, malaria, anemia, and malnutrition. Conclusion When performing a population-based estimation of the rate of PTB, including women without antenatal care and women delivering at home, the 19.3% rate of PTB is among the highest recorded globally. This is accompanied by a high rate of risk factors and comorbid conditions.