Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Health Management and Economics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
MSc Student, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad ,Iran
3
MSc Student, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2024.77466.2298
Abstract
Background & aim: Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks’ gestation, is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between household food insecurity and preterm birth, along with adverse maternal health outcomes. However, comprehensive evidence specifically addressing this association in population-based studies is lacking. This study aims to explore the association between household food security status and preterm birth among mothers in Mashhad, Iran.
Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted using healthcare data from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences spanning March 2019 to March 2022. The study included 2,431 mothers with preterm births and an equal number of mothers with term delivery selected through simple random sampling.. Food security over the past 12 months was assessed using a validated household questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine associations between independent variables and preterm birth, with data analyzed using Stata software version 16..
Results: Mothers from food-insecure households had three times higher adjusted odds (AOR 3.10; 95% CI 2.37-4.05, p-value < 0.001) of preterm birth compared to mothers from food-secure households. Other significant risk factors included preeclampsia (AOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.22-3.18, p-value = 0.005), gestational diabetes (AOR 5.95; 95% CI 3.03-11.68, p-value < 0.001), birth weight (AOR 47.27; 95% CI 35.01-63.82, p-value < 0.001), and maternal age (AOR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.98, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: Household food insecurity was strongly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, even after adjusting for medical and social confounders among mothers in Mashhad. Improving food security during the preconception and pregnancy period could reduce rates of preterm birth.
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