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The research investigates the prevalence of preterm birth and low birth weight among pregnant women infected with syphilis and identifies associated factors.

March 18, 2026Open Access

Factors associated with preterm birth and low birth weight among syphilis-infected pregnant women

Key Points

The research investigates the prevalence of preterm birth and low birth weight among pregnant women infected with syphilis and identifies associated factors.
Analyzed data from syphilis-infected pregnant women and newborns in Changsha City (2013-2023)
Conducted chi-square trend tests to assess PTB and LBW rates
Applied binary logistic regression models to identify risk factors
Calculated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for factors associated with PTB and LBW
Overall rates of PTB and LBW were 8.79% and 5.23%, respectively.
Increased odds of PTB linked to factors such as maternal age ≥ 36 years, unemployment, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Standardized treatment reduced PTB odds.
LBW odds increased with factors like being unmarried and having pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Standardized treatment also lowered LBW odds.

Abstract

To investigate the preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) among syphilis-infected pregnant women and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes. Syphilis-infected pregnant women and their newborns in Changsha City between 2013 and 2023 were investigated. Chi-square trend tests were used to determine trends in the rates of PTB and LBW among syphilis-infected pregnant women. Binary logistic regression models and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used to identify factors associated with PTB and LBW among syphilis-infected pregnant women. The overall rates of PTB and LBW among syphilis-infected pregnant women in Changsha City between 2013 and 2023 were 8.79% and 5.23%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that factors associated with an increased odds of PTB among syphilis-infected pregnant women included maternal age ≥ 36 years (AOR = 1.43: 95% CI: 1.05–1.93), farmer (AOR = 1.56: 95% CI: 1.03–2.36), housework or unemployment (AOR = 1.56: 95% CI: 1.14–2.14), unmarried/divorced/widowed (AOR = 1.69: 95% CI: 1.09–2.60), and pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 3.79: 95% CI: 1.68–8.54). In contrast, standardized treatment was associated with a reduced odds of PTB (AOR = 0.34: 95% CI: 0.21–0.55). Similarly, factors associated with an increased odds of LBW among syphilis-infected pregnant women included unmarried/divorced/widowed (AOR = 2.33: 95% CI: 1.49–3.65), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 3.81: 95% CI: 1.44–10.11), non-Treponema pallidum titer at diagnosis ≥ 1:8 (AOR = 1.46: 95% CI: 1.01–2.11), and stillbirth history (AOR = 2.15: 95% CI: 1.04–4.42). Standardized treatment was also was associated with a reduced odds of LBW (AOR = 0.45: 95% CI: 0.26–0.78). In summary, several factors were associated with PTB and LBW among syphilis-infected pregnant women. Our findings hold significant public health implications as some factors are modifiable or avoidable. Interventions such as promoting childbearing at optimal ages, preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension, and improving standardized treatment rates could potentially reduce the rate of PTB and LBW. Not applicable.

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