Association of maternal educational attainment with preterm birth and low birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: BACKGROUNDMaternal educational attainment is an important socioeconomic indicator associated with health literacy, healthcare access, and health-related behaviors.However, its association with preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) varies across populations, educational classifications, and study settings. AIMTo determine the associations of maternal educational attainment with preterm birth and LBW. METHODSPubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to August 6, 2026, for observational studies examining maternal education in relation to preterm birth or LBW.Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Random-effects models pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Heterogeneity, subgroup analyses, leave-one-out sensitivity analyses, and potential small-study effects were evaluated.The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024576198). RESULTSThirty-seven studies involving 30432601 births were included; 24 contributed to preterm birth analyses and 17 to LBW analyses, with four reporting both outcomes.For ≥ 12 years vs < 12 years of maternal education, higher attainment was associated with lower odds of preterm birth (OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.75-0.89)and LBW (OR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.71-0.98).Heterogeneity was considerable for preterm birth (I² = 99.3%) and LBW (I² = 5 / 55 97.9%).Subgroup estimates varied by region, economic setting, and study design.Leave-one-out analyses did not materially alter the overall direction of associations. CONCLUSIONHigher maternal educational attainment was associated with lower odds of preterm birth and LBW, although substantial heterogeneity limits causal interpretation and generalizability.
Source: World Journal of Meta-Analysis
DOI: 10.13105/wjma.126072
Institution: Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220896472