Association Between <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection and Preterm Labor in Iranian Women: A Case-Control Study

Background: Recent studies suggest a possible link between Helicobacter pylori infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, miscarriage, and preterm labor. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and preterm labor in pregnant women admitted to Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 120 pregnant women (60 with preterm labor and 60 with term deliveries) between 2020 and 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires, and H. pylori infection was assessed via stool antigen testing. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was similar in preterm (65.0%) and term (61.7%) delivery groups (P = 0.705). Stratified analyses suggested potential differences in infection rates among women with low education levels (P = 0.013) and poor financial status (P = 0.008); however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to small subgroup sizes. Multivariate logistic regression indicated maternal education level as an independent factor associated with preterm labor (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10 - 0.60, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Although no overall significant difference was found in H. pylori infection prevalence between preterm and term deliveries, subgroup analyses suggest that sociodemographic factors, such as low education and poor financial status, may increase the risk of preterm labor associated with H. pylori infection.