Precursors of preterm birth: Comparison of three ethnic groups in the Middle East and the United States

Objective: To examine factors related to preterm birth in three ethnic groups and in three different countries. Design: Data were obtained on a convenience sample of 118 Lebanese mothers, 104 Egyptian mothers, 40 Mexican American mothers, and 32 White American mothers from Southern California. About half of each cohort had delivered a preterm newborn and half a full-term newborn. Mothers with premature or full-term newborns completed a questionnaire by interview. Analysis compared ethnic groups and preterm- versus full-term birth groups. Multiple logistic regression determined relatedness to outcome. Results: Descriptive factors differed among groups, but not for preterm versus full-term newborn groups. Significant factors for premature birth were vaginal infections, stress, smoking, drug use, and protein intake. Factors significantly related to preterm birth in the Middle-Eastern and American groups were almost identical: social support, stress, and exercise. Smoking was related only in the American group. Conclusions: These data suggest risk factors are similar across nations and ethnic groups. Prenatal counseling and programs should address these four issues.