This was a case-control study to determine the risk factors of preterm delivery among Nigerian women seen at Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria over a period of 9 months. All women delivering preterm were recruited into the study, with two consecutive term deliveries after each preterm delivery serving as controls. Information obtained from the women includes socio-demographic characteristics, past reproductive and present pregnancy history and outcome. Laboratory investigations were conducted as necessary. Bivariate analysis revealed 21 potential risk factors, however, following adjustment by multiple logistic regression only previous preterm delivery (OR 4.68, 2.24-6.31), previous second trimester spontaneous abortion (OR 4.48, 2.32-8.54), heavy and stressful occupation (OR 3.56, 1.05-6.45), premature rupture of fetal membrane (OR 3.46, 1.04-6.45), maternal medical disorders (OR 3.13, 1.56-5.16), body mass index at delivery of less than 23 (OR 3.01, 1.56-5.43), antepartum haemorrhage (OR 2.73, 1.18-6.34), maternal febrile illness (OR 2.84, 1.32-4.52), intrauterine growth retardation (OR 2.14, 0.98-2.34) and multiple pregnancy (OR 1.98, 1.02-2.68) remained as significant factors.
