Evaluation of the association between haemoglobin levels and preterm birth at Khartoum, Sudan: A hospital-based study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the association between haemoglobin level and PB. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan. Questionnaires on demographics and medical and obstetric factors were completed. A logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of the 1,716 pregnant women, approximately two-thirds (65.7%) had anaemia (haemoglobin < 11 g/dl) and six (0.3%) had severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 8 g/dl). Of the 1,716 women, 283 (16.5%) had a PB. In multivariable logistic regression, parity (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09–1.21, P < 0.001) was positively associated with PB. Compared to those with haemoglobin levels of 10–10.9 g/dl, pregnant women with haemoglobin levels of 8–8.9 (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22–0.77), 9–9.9 (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.38–0.91), and 11–11.9 g/dl (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.36–0.77) were at a lower risk of PB. Women with haemoglobin levels of 12–13 g/dl were at a higher risk of PB (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.06–2.45). There was no significant association between women with haemoglobin levels < 8 g/dl and > 13 g/dl and PB. CONCLUSION: This study showed different levels of association between haemoglobin levels and PB.