We performed a retrospective descriptive analytical study over all preterm birth babies along the period of 2011-2012 at the level of neonatology department of Sidi Bel Abbes city (Western Algeria). Primigravida (OR=7, 95% CI: 3, 16), primiparous (OR=6.23, 95% CI: 1.5, 9.5) and mother’s age < 25 years (OR=5.8, 95% CI: 1.5, 8.9) were the major risk factors of premature delivery. Abortion also raised the odds (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.56). Twin delivery and intra uterine growth were also marginally significantly associated with premature delivery (OR=2.15; OR= respectively). Preterm babies suffered mainly from icterus and asphyxia. Prematurity is still considered as a major public health in developing countries and its causes in our studied area were multifactorial.
Keywords: Preterm birth, maternal sociodemographics characteristics, fetal characteristics, Western Algeria