MATERNAL RISK FACTORS FOR MODERATE AND LATE PRETERM LABOUR: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PESHAWAR

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the maternal risk factors associated with moderate and late preterm labor. METHODOLOGY This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, from March 1 2024, to August 31 2024. Patients in the age range 18 to 40 years diagnosed with moderate and late preterm labor were compared with controls for maternal risk factors, including inadequate prenatal care and maternal hypertension. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS v.26, and odds ratios were calculated using a 2x2 table. RESULTS The mean age of the cases was 29.14±6.239 years compared to 27.91±6.754 years in controls. The mean gestational age in cases and controls was 33.88±1.372 weeks and 38.78±1.439 weeks, respectively. Sixty-four patients (55.7%) in cases were aged more than 30 years compared to 51 patients (44.3%) among controls (p value 0.112). Among cases, 112 patients (49.1%) were multiparous, versus 116 (50.9%) among controls (p value 0.901). Overall, inadequate prenatal care was recorded in 85 participants (53; 62.4%) as cases versus 32 controls (37.6%), p value 0.006, OR 2.070 (95% CI 1.226 - 3.497). Maternal hypertension was recorded in 74 patients, more frequently among cases (n = 45, 60.8%) than among controls (n = 29, 39.2%), p value 0.029; OR 1.822 (95% CI 1.058 - 3.136).