Intrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery: The influence of maternal smoking and psychosocial factors

M. Nordentoft, H.C. Lou, D. Hansen, J. Nim, O. Pryds, P. Rubin and R. Hemmingsen

American Journal of Public Health, 1996, vol. 86, issue 3, 347-354

Abstract: Objectives. This study investigated the influence of psychosocial stress, maternal schooling, social support, psychological well-being, alcohol, and smoking on intrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery. Methods. At a Copenhagen university hospital, 2432 pregnant women completed a questionnaire on general health, psychosocial stressors, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results. In 212 cases (8.7%) the women delivered prematurely. Preterm delivery was associated with psychosocial stress (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.14 for each 1-point increase on the psychosocial stressor 5-point scale and 1.92 for the whole scale) and poor school education (adjusted OR = 2.62 for 7-9 years of schooling, 1.91 for 10 years, and 1.0 for 11-13 years). In 152 cases (6.3%), infants had a birthweight below the 10th percentile. Intrauterine growth retardation was associated with smoking, daily drinking, school education, and social network variables. In a multiple logistic regression model, intrauterine growth retardation was associated with smoking habits (adjusted OR = 2.40 for 0-9 cigarettes daily, 2.68 for 10-15 daily, and 2.88 for more than 15 daily). Conclusions. Psychosocial stressors and limited duration of schooling appeared to influence preterm delivery. Smoking habits influenced intrauterine growth retardation.

Date: 1996
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1996:86:3:347-354_9

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