Factors related to self-care practice to prevent preterm birth among pregnant women in Yala Province

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant public health issue, representing a major cause of neonatal mortality. It imposes stress and economic burdens on mothers and families, as well as substantial healthcare expenditures of the nation for the treatment of preterm labor and preterm infants.

Research objectives: To examine the relationships between personal factors, risk factors for preterm birth, health literacy, and preterm birth prevention behaviors among pregnant women.

Research methodology: The population used in this descriptive study was pregnant women with a gestational age between 20 weeks to 36⁺⁶ weeks in Yala Province. The sample size was calculated using G*Power program, 122 pregnant women were recruited using simple random sampling according to inclusion criteria. The instruments used for collecting data were 1) personal factors questionnaire, 2) a high-risk screening tool for PTB, 3) health literacy regarding PTB questionnaire, and 4) preterm birth prevention behaviors questionnaire. The IOC of all items were between .67 to 1.00. Reliabilities were .70, .93, and .90, respectively. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square statistics, and Crammer's contingency coefficient were using to analyze data.

Results: Results indicated that the top 5 risk factors of PTB were: having dental caries/gingivitis/periodontis (49.18%), having breast massage or nipple stimulation (43.44%), working hard or standing or walking for a long time (40.16%), having sex after the 5^th month of pregnancy (36.06%), and not get enough rest (33.61%). Income sufficiency, having risk factors, and health literacy were significantly related to preterm birth prevention behaviors at a low level (.29, .27, and .28, respectively, p < .005). Moreover, most of participants didn’t perceive that their risk factors and their behaviors will lead to PTB.

Conclusions: Income sufficiency, having risk factors of PTB, and health literacy are related to preterm birth prevention behaviors.

Implications: Providing education on risk factors and promoting health literacy about PTB among pregnant women is a strategy that can facilitate preventive behaviors against preterm birth.