Table 4 Epidemiology of Preterm Delivery

A. Improve descriptive epidemiology of PTB

1. Create expert group to define phenotypes of PTB

2. Develop tools/algorithm for gestational age assessment relevant to community-based resources

3. Develop standard definitions for impairment outcomes

4. Selective testing of gestational age assessment tools

5. Establish surveillance sites in LMICs

6. Promote incorporation of phenotype definitions into existing perinatal databases in HICs

7. Prepare global, country-specific report of PTB and trends

• Peer review publications

• Improved understanding of country specific etiologies of PTB

• Accurate global charts of PTB rates

B. Improve analytical (riskfactor identification) epidemiology

1. Systematic review of risk factors for PTB in different settings (Global report on preterm birth and stillbirth)

2. Assess verbal autopsy to measure risk factors

3. Promote phenotype definition

4.Incorporate phenotype definitions in global databases

5. Prepare global, country-specific report of PTB and trends

• Peer review publications

• Improved understanding of country-specific etiologies of PTB

• Accurate global charts of PTB rates

C. Strengthen data collection and analysis capacity to inform health policy

1. Identify existing networks, stakeholders in PTB research

2. Develop structure for collaborating and disseminating resources among networks and stakeholders

3.Raise political awareness

4. Investigate low-tech data entry resources

5. Train personnel in data collection at local and regional levels

6. Cost-effective surveillance

7. Cost-effective surveillance

• Adoption of standardized collection and analysis tools

• Resource infrastructure that can be shared between networks and stakeholders