A Comprehensive Array of Adverse Reproductive Events and Risk of Preterm Birth: New Insights From the Boston Birth Cohort

Li Liu , Johns Hopkins University
Youjin Lee, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Xiumei Hong, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Lingxin Hao, Johns Hopkins University
Irina Burd, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Mei-cheng Wang, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Xiaobin Wang, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Preterm birth (PTB) is an important public health issue. A suite of biomedical and social factors, including history of adverse reproductive events, increase the risk of PTB. Existing studies on adverse reproductive events and PTB mainly focus on one type of adverse reproductive event. Few examined a comprehensive array of them. In this study, we aim to investigate the association between a comprehensive array of adverse reproductive events and PTB. Applying logistic and logit regressions, we find significant bivariate association between any adverse reproductive events/stillbirth/miscarriage and PTB. However, their associations attenuate after we adjust other confounders with one exception. That is the number of miscarriage is still significantly associated with PTB. Specifically, each one additional miscarriage is associated with a 6% higher risk of PTB. Possible biological mechanisms and the study limitations and strengths are discussed. Similar studies applying population representative pregnancy registry data could be an improved next step.

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 Presented in Session 11. Health & Mortality 2