Clinical Assessment of Risk Factors for the Development of Premature Rupture of Membranes(PROM) at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) continues to be an important obstetric problem because of its links with increased maternal and neonatal complications. Identifying factors that predispose women to PROM is crucial, especially in low-resource settings where timely prevention and management can make a significant difference. This study examines the clinical and demographic factors associated with PROM among pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Objective: The study aimed to assess the major risk factors related to PROM. More specifically, it sought to compare nutritional status, genital tract infections, and past reproductive history between women presenting with PROM and those with intact membranes. Methods: This case-control study was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. 75 women diagnosed with PROM were included as cases, and an equal number of pregnant women without PROM served as controls. Information was gathered using structured interviews, clinical assessments, and review of hospital records. Statistical tests were used to determine the significance of associations between various potential risk factors and PROM. Result: Several factors showed a significant association with PROM, including maternal illiteracy, a past history of abortion, previous PROM, low body mass index, malnutrition, and lower genital tract infections. Conversely, maternal age, occupation, and having regular antenatal check-ups did not show statistically meaningful relationships with PROM in this study group. These results point to the influence of largely preventable or manageable factors. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing malnutrition, reproductive health education, and early detection of genital infections to reduce the risk of PROM. Recognizing these risk factors early and intervening appropriately may help improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in similar healthcare settings. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 14(2), July 2026; p 21-25