Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75(08): 819-826
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557817
Original Article
GebFra Science
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Factors for Preterm Births in Germany – An Analysis of Representative German Data (KiGGS)

Einflussfaktoren auf die Frühgeburt in Deutschland – Analyse der für Deutschland repräsentativen KiGGS-Daten
A. Weichert
1   Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Berlin
,
T. M. Weichert
2   Bezirksamt Mitte von Berlin, Gesundheitsamt – Kinder- und Jugendgesundheitsdienst, Berlin
,
R. L. Bergmann
1   Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Berlin
,
W. Henrich
1   Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Berlin
,
K. D. Kalache
3   Sidra Medical and Research Center, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Doha, Qatar
,
R. Richter
4   Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Gynäkologie, Berlin
,
J. Neymeyer
5   Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Urologie, Berlin
,
K. E. Bergmann
1   Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Berlin
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 29 March 2015
revised 03 June 2015

accepted 11 June 2015

Publication Date:
31 August 2015 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth is a global scourge, the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. This study set out to identify the principal risk factors for preterm birth, based on the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). A range of possible factors influencing preterm birth were selected for inclusion in the questionnaire, covering factors such as gender, national origin, immigrant background, demography, living standard, family structure, parental education and vocational training. Methods: All data were taken from the aforementioned KiGGS survey conducted between 2003 and 2006. A total of 17 641 children and adolescents (8656 girls and 8985 boys) drawn from 167 German towns and municipalities deemed to be representative of the Federal Republic of Germany were included in the study. Gestational age at birth was available for 14 234 datasets. The questionnaire included questions from the following areas as possible factors influencing preterm birth: gender, national origins, immigrant background, demography, living standard, family structure, parental education and vocational training. Results: The preterm birth rate was 11.6 %, higher than that of other national statistical evaluations. Around 57.4 % of multiple pregnancies and 10 % of singleton pregnancies resulted in preterm delivery. Multiple pregnancy was found to be the most important risk factor (OR 13.116). With regard to national origins and immigration background, mothers from Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa had a higher incidence of preterm birth. Preterm birth was more prevalent in cities and large towns than in small towns and villages. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with preterm birth were identified. These should help with the early identification of pregnant women at risk. The preterm birth rate in our survey was higher than that found in other national statistical evaluations based on process data. More than half of all multiple pregnancies ended in preterm birth.

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung: Die Frühgeburt ist die Hauptursache für perinatale Mortalität und Morbidität und ein weltweites Problem. Das Ziel dieser Studie war, die Hauptrisikofaktoren für eine Frühgeburt aus dem Kinder- und Jugendgesundheits-Survey (KiGGS) zu identifizieren. Als mögliche Einflussfaktoren auf die Frühgeburt wurden im Fragenkatalog Fragen aus den Bereichen Geschlecht, Herkunft, Migrationshintergrund, Demografie, Lebensumstände, Familienstrukturen, Schul- und Berufsausbildung der Eltern ausgewählt. Methoden: Datengrundlage war der KiGGS-Survey, der in den Jahren 2003 bis 2006 durchgeführt wurde. Insgesamt nahmen an der Studie 17 641 Kinder und Jugendliche (8656 Mädchen und 8985 Jungen) aus 167 für die Bundesrepublik repräsentativen Städten und Gemeinden teil. Das Gestationsalter bei der Geburt war in 14 234 Datensätzen vorhanden. Als mögliche Einflussfaktoren auf die Frühgeburt wurden im Fragenkatalog Fragen aus den Bereichen Geschlecht, Herkunft, Migrationshintergrund, Demografie, Lebensumstände, Familienstrukturen, Schul- und Berufsausbildung der Eltern ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Frühgeburtsrate betrug 11,6 % und lag damit höher als in anderen nationalen Statistiken. 57,4 % der Mehrlingsschwangerschaften und 10 % der Einlingsschwangerschaften werden als Frühgeburt geboren. Mehrlingsschwangerschaft war der wichtigste Risikofaktor (OR 13,116). Hinsichtlich der Herkunft und des Migrationshintergrunds waren Mütter aus der Türkei, aus Mittelost und Nordafrika am häufigsten von einer Frühgeburt betroffen. Die Frühgeburt hat eine höhere Inzidenz in Großstädten gegenüber Kleinstädten und Dörfern. Zusammenfassung: Risikofaktoren, die mit einer Frühgeburt assoziiert waren, wurden identifiziert. Diese sollen helfen, Risikoschwangere rechtzeitig zu identifizieren. Die Frühgeburtsrate aus unserem Survey ist höher als die anderer nationaler Statistiken, die jedoch auf Prozessdaten basieren. Mehr als die Hälfte aller Mehrlingsschwangerschaften endet als Frühgeburt.

 
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