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Maternal unemployment: an indicator of spontaneous preterm delivery risk

  • PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the association between maternal employment and preterm delivery. A nationwide case–control study was conducted in 25 Portuguese public maternities. During a 4-month period, 769 consecutive single spontaneous preterm (<37 gestation weeks) live births and 1,053 term singleton babies born immediately after each preterm, were evaluated. Information was obtained by attending physicians using a questionnaire, with special emphasis on maternal work characterization. Logistic regression odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for maternal age, marital status, education and obstetrical characteristics. Women entering pregnancy while unemployed presented a significantly increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (OR = 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.88). Weekly duration of work (<40 versus ≥40 h) had no significant effect on the occurrence of spontaneous preterm (OR = 1.2; 95% CI 0.88–1.54). Unemployed women presented a significant increase in the risk of preterm delivery.

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Acknowledgements

The Authors gratefully acknowledge a grant from Comissão de Fomento da Investigação em Cuidados de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde P·I. 167/97.

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Correspondence to Teresa Rodrigues.

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Rodrigues, T., Barros, H. Maternal unemployment: an indicator of spontaneous preterm delivery risk. Eur J Epidemiol 23, 689–693 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-008-9283-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-008-9283-x

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