Association between inter-pregnancy interval and risk of adverse birth outcomes in subsequent pregnancy: A retrospective study from Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW), are leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to estimate the association between inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) and the risks of adverse birth outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 630 mothers who delivered a singleton live infant at a leading tertiary hospital in northern Jordan from March to August 2021. Outcome variables were preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) and LBW (<2.5 kg). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between IPI and these two adverse birth outcomes was investigated. RESULTS: The rates of preterm birth and LBW were 12.4% and 16.8%, respectively. Compared with an optimal IPI (24-36 months), a short IPI (<24 months) was positively associated with preterm birth (aOR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.48-6.55) and LBW (aOR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.57-5.15). Infants conceived after a long IPI (≥ 60 months) had increased odds of preterm birth (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.12-5.78) and LBW (aOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.67-4.03). Preterm delivery was also significantly associated with the mother's age (aOR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04-1.17), history of multiple cesarean births (aOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.14-4.29), prolonged rupture of membranes (aOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.10-5.52), and perinatal death (aOR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.10-5.49). A mother's history of prior LBW (aOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 1.08-6.80), hypertensive disorders (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.03-3.89), and multiple cesarean births (aOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 2.10-6.99) was associated with LBW. CONCLUSIONS: Both short and long IPIs were related to preterm delivery and LBW. Optimal birth spacing is recommended to improve birth outcomes and must be considered when designing effective family planning programs.

Exploring mental health stigma among Indonesian healthcare students towards individuals with mental illnesses: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The social disapproval or stigma surrounding mental illness contributes to the postponement of individuals seeking assistance and frequently undermines therapeutic alliances between mental illness sufferers and health care professionals. AIMS: This study explored perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with mental illness among college healthcare students in Indonesia. METHODS: This study used a qualitative method. Twenty five students enrolled in six healthcare programs were interviewed using a semi structured format. The data analysis adopted a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Our thematic analysis generated four main themes: (1) general perceptions of mental health and mental illness; (2) knowledge about mental illness; (3) mental health stigma; and (4) mental health stigma campaigns. CONCLUSIONS: The participants exhibited positive perceptions of mentally ill people. Students understood mental health, and they exhibited positive attitudes toward mentally ill people. Some students have stigma and lack of confidence to assist those who have mental illness. Further efforts are required to acquaint students with mental health issues and facilitate their interaction with mentally ill individuals. Anti-stigma campaigns are required to combat the pervasive stigmatization of individuals with mental illness. It is recommended to conduct a more extensive study about the stigma that students encounter in relation to mentally ill individuals.