Literature Review of Factors Affecting Premature Rupture of Membranes

Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) remains one of the most frequently encountered obstetric complications and continues to contribute substantially to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Numerous factors have been associated with PROM; however, the available evidence presents considerable variation, highlighting the need to re-evaluate these determinants using recent empirical findings. This review aims to identify and synthesize the principal factors influencing PROM based on ten studies published within the last five years. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using predefined keywords, followed by screening through established eligibility criteria. Relevant data from each study including study design, geographical setting, assessed risk factors, and statistical outcomes such as odds ratios or relative risks  were extracted and compared. The review indicates that reproductive and urinary tract infections, inadequate nutritional status, high-risk obstetric history, and short interpregnancy intervals consistently emerge as major determinants. Social factors and the quality of antenatal services were also shown to heighten the likelihood of PROM. Overall, the findings emphasize that PROM arises from a combination of medical and non-medical influences, reinforcing the need for preventive strategies that adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach.