Short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Short birth interval is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and children. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Thus, this study aimed to synthesise evidence related to the definition, classification, prevalence, and predictors of short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods: Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science) were searched for studies published between September 2000 and May 2023 (the last search was conducted for all databases in May 2023). We included original studies published in English that reported on short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Studies that combined birth interval with birth order, used multi-country data and were published as conference abstracts and commentaries were excluded. Three independent reviewers screened the articles for relevancy, and two reviewers performed the data extraction and quality assessment. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. The findings were both qualitatively and quantitatively synthesised and presented. Results: A total of 140 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. About 58% (n = 82) of the studies defined short birth interval, while 42% (n = 58) did not. Out of 82 studies, nearly half (n = 39) measured a birth-to-birth interval, 37 studies measured a birth-to-pregnancy, four measured a pregnancy-to-pregnancy, and two studies measured a pregnancy loss-to-conception. Approximately 39% (n = 55) and 6% (n = 8) of studies classified short birth intervals as <24 months and <33 months, respectively. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional, and about two-thirds had either medium or high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of short birth interval was 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 23.0-44.6, I2 = 99.9%, P < 0.01) among the studies that used the World Health Organization definition. Conclusions: This review's findings highlighted significant variations in the definition, measurement, classification, and reported prevalence of short birth interval across the included studies. Future research is needed to harmonise the definition and classification of short birth interval to ensure consistency and comparability across studies and facilitate the development of targeted interventions and policies. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023426975.

Survival among children under-five in India: a parametric multilevel survival approach.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have been conducted on under-five mortality in India and most of them focused on the associations between individual-level factors and under-five mortality risks. On the contrary, only a scarce number of literatures talked about contextual level effect on under-five mortality. Hence, it is very important to have thorough study of under-five mortality at various levels. This can be done by applying multilevel analysis, a method that assesses both fixed and random effects in a single model. The multilevel analysis allows extracting the influence of individual and community characteristics on under-five mortality. Hence, this study would contribute substantially in understanding the under-five mortality from a different perspective. METHOD: The study used data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) acquired in India, i.e., the fourth round of National Family and Health Survey (2015-16). It is a nationally representative repeated cross-sectional data. Multilevel Parametric Survival Model (MPSM) was employed to assess the influence of contextual correlates on the outcome. The assumption behind this study is that 'individuals' (i.e., level-1) are nested within 'districts' (i.e., level-2), and districts are enclosed within 'states' (i.e., level-3). This suggests that people have varying health conditions, residing in dissimilar communities with different characteristics. RESULTS: Highest under-five mortality i.e., 3.85% are happening among those women whose birth interval is less than two years. In case of parity, around 4% under-five mortality is among women with Third and above order parity. Further, findings from the full model is that ICC values of 1.17 and 0.65% are the correlation of the likelihood of having under-five mortality risk among people residing in the state and district communities, respectively. Besides, the risk of dying was increased alarmingly in the first year of life and slowly to aged 3 years and then it remains steady. CONCLUSION: This study has revealed that both aspects viz. individual and contextual effect of the community are necessary to address the importance variations in under-five mortality in India. In order to ensure substantial reduction in under-five mortality, findings of the study support some policy initiatives that involves the need to think beyond individual level effects and considering contextual characteristics.

Association between short birth spacing and child malnutrition in Bangladesh: a propensity score matching approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the effects of short birth spacing (SBS), which is defined as a period of less than 33 months between two successive births, on multiple concurrent forms of child malnutrition (MCFCM) and at least one form of child malnutrition (ALOFCM) using propensity score matching (PSM). METHODS: This study used data extracted from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. PSM with four different distance functions, including logistic regression, classification and regression tree, single hidden layer neural network and random forest, were performed to evaluate the effects of SBS on MCFCM and ALOFCM. We also explored how the effects were modified in different subsamples, including women's empowerment, education and economic status (women's 3E index)-constructed based on women's decision-making autonomy, education level, and wealth index, and age at marriage, and place of residence. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBS was 22.16% among the 4652 complete cases. The matched samples of size 2062 generated by PSM showed higher odds of MCFCM (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.25, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.56, p=0.038) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.20, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.42, p=0.045) for the SBS children compared with their counterparts. In the subsample of women with 3E index≥50% coverage, the SBS children showed higher odds of MCFCM (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.00, p=0.041] and ALOFCM (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.74, p=0.036). Higher odds of MCFCM (AOR=1.27, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.58, p=0.036) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.23, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.51, p=0.032) for SBS children than normal children were also evident for the subsample of mothers married at age≤18 years. CONCLUSION: SBS was significantly associated with child malnutrition, and the effect was modified by factors such as women's autonomy and age at marriage.

Birth Spacing and Parents' Physical and Mental Health: An Analysis Using Individual and Sibling Fixed Effects.

An extensive literature has examined the relationship between birth spacing and subsequent health outcomes for parents, particularly for mothers. However, this research has drawn almost exclusively on observational research designs, and almost all studies have been limited to adjusting for observable factors that could confound the relationship between birth spacing and health outcomes. In this study, we use Norwegian register data to examine the relationship between birth spacing and the number of general practitioner consultations for mothers' and fathers' physical and mental health concerns immediately after childbirth (1-5 and 6-11 months after childbirth), in the medium term (5-6 years after childbearing), and in the long term (10-11 years after childbearing). To examine short-term health outcomes, we estimate individual fixed-effects models: we hold constant factors that could influence parents' birth spacing behavior and their health, comparing health outcomes after different births to the same parent. We apply sibling fixed effects in our analysis of medium- and long-term outcomes, holding constant mothers' and fathers' family backgrounds. The results from our analyses that do not apply individual or sibling fixed effects are consistent with much of the previous literature: shorter and longer birth intervals are associated with worse health outcomes than birth intervals of approximately 2-3 years. Estimates from individual fixed-effects models suggest that particularly short intervals have a modest negative effect on maternal mental health in the short term, with more ambiguous evidence that particularly short or long intervals might modestly influence short-, medium-, and long-term physical health outcomes. Overall, these results are consistent with small to negligible effects of birth spacing behavior on (non-pregnancy-related) parental health outcomes.

Association between high-risk fertility behaviour and anaemia among urban Indian women (15-49 years).

BACKGROUND: Women in their reproductive age have tremendous health implications that affect their health and well-being. Anaemia is an indicator of inadequate dietary intake and poor health. Maternal malnutrition significantly impacts maternal and child health outcomes, increasing the mother's risk of dying during delivery. High-risk fertility behaviour is a barrier to reducing mother and child mortality. This study aims to examine the level of high-risk fertility behaviour and anaemia among ever-married urban Indian women and also examine the linkages between the both. METHODS: Based on the National Family Health Survey's fifth round of data, the study analyzed 44,225 samples of ever-married urban women. Univariate and bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression have been used for the analysis. RESULTS: Findings suggested that more than half (55%) of the urban women were anaemic, and about one-fourth (24%) of women had any high-risk fertility behaviour. Furthermore, the results suggest that 20% of women were more vulnerable to anaemia due to high-risk fertility behaviour. For the specific category, 19% and 28% of women were more likely to be anaemic due to single and multiple high-risk fertility. However, after controlling for sociodemographic factors, the findings showed a statistically significant link between high-risk fertility behaviour and anaemia. As a result, 16% of the women were more likely to be anaemic due to high-risk fertility behaviour, and 16% and 24% were more likely to be anaemic due to single and multiple high-risk fertility behaviour, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings exposed that maternal high-risk fertility behaviour is a significant factor in raising the chance of anaemia in ever-married urban women of reproductive age in forms of the short birth interval, advanced maternal age, and advanced maternal age & higher order. Policy and choice-based family planning techniques should be employed to minimize the high-risk fertility behaviour among Indian urban women. This might aid in the reduction of the malnutrition status of their children.

A history of recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with increased perinatal complications, but not necessarily a longer birth interval: a population study spanning 18 years.

STUDY QUESTION: Is there a difference in the time interval between the first and second live births among individuals with and without recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Primary RPL (two or more pregnancy losses before the first live birth) is associated with a shorter time interval between the first and second live births compared with individuals without RPL, but this association is reversed in patients with secondary RPL (RPL patients with no or one pregnancy loss before the first live birth). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: There is limited information regarding the ability to have more than one child for patients with RPL. Previous studies have investigated the time to live birth and the live birth rate from the initial presentation to clinical providers. Most of the previous studies have included only patients treated at specialized RPL clinics and thus may be limited by selection bias, including patients with a more severe condition. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of 184 241 participants who delivered in British Columbia, Canada, and had at least two recorded live births between 2000 and 2018. The aim was to study the differences in the time interval between the first and second live births and the prevalence of pregnancy complications in patients with and without RPL. Additionally, 198 319 individuals with their first live birth between 2000 and 2010 were studied to evaluate cumulative second live birth rates. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Among individuals with at least two recorded live births between 2000 and 2018, 12 321 patients with RPL and 171 920 participants without RPL were included. RPL was defined as at least two pregnancy losses before 20 weeks gestation. Patients with primary RPL had at least two pregnancy losses occurring before the first live birth, while patients with secondary RPL had no or one pregnancy loss before the first live birth. We compared the time interval from the first to second live birth in patients with primary RPL, those with secondary RPL, and participants without RPL using generalized additive models to allow for a non-linear relationship between maternal age and time interval between first and second live births. We also compared prevalence of pregnancy complications at the first and second live births between the groups using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test and Fisher's exact test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. We assessed the cumulative second live birth rates in patients with primary RPL and those without RPL, among participants who had their first live birth between 2000 and 2010. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate and compare hazard ratios between the two groups using a stratified modelling approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The adjusted time interval between the first and second live births was the longest in patients with secondary RPL, followed by individuals without RPL, and the shortest time interval was observed in patients with primary RPL: 4.34 years (95% CI: 4.09-4.58), 3.20 years (95% CI: 3.00-3.40), and 3.05 years (95% CI: 2.79-3.32). A higher frequency of pregnancy losses was associated with an increased time interval between the first and second live births. The prevalence of pregnancy complications at the first and second live births, including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, preterm birth, and multiple gestations was significantly higher in patients with primary RPL compared with those without RPL. The cumulative second live birth rate was significantly lower in patients with primary RPL compared with individuals without RPL. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study may be limited by its retrospective nature. Although we adjusted for multiple potential confounders, there may be residual confounding due to a lack of information about pregnancy intentions and other factors, including unreported pregnancy losses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The results of this study provide information that will help clinicians in the counselling of RPL patients who desire a second child. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported in part by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR): Reference Number W11-179912. M.A.B. reports research grants from CIHR and Ferring Pharmaceutical. He is also on the advisory board for AbbVie, Pfizer, and Baxter. The other authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04360564.

Interpregnancy interval and early infant neurodevelopment: the role of maternal-fetal glucose metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Interpregnancy interval (IPI) is associated with a variety of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. However, reports of its associations with early infant neurodevelopment are limited and the mechanisms of this association have not been elucidated. Maternal-fetal glucose metabolism has been shown to be associated with infant neurodevelopmental. The objective of this study was to determine whether this metabolism plays a role in the relationship between IPI and neurodevelopment. METHODS: This prospective birth cohort study included 2599 mother-infant pairs. The IPI was calculated by subtracting the gestational age of the current pregnancy from the interval at the end of the previous pregnancy. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months in infants were assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Edition 3 (ASQ-3). Maternal fasting venous blood was collected at 24-28 weeks and cord blood was collected at delivery. The association between IPI and neurodevelopment was determined by logistic regression. Mediation and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: In our cohort, 14.0% had an IPI < 12 months. IPI < 12 months increased the failure of the communication domain, fine motor domain, and personal social domain of the ASQ (relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73 [1.11,2.70]; 1.73 [1.10,2.72]; 1.51 [1.00,2.29]). Maternal homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and cord blood C-peptide was significantly associated with failure in the communication domain [RRs with 95% CI: 1.15 (1.02, 1.31); 2.15 (1.26, 3.67)]. The proportion of the association between IPI and failure of the communication domain risk mediated by maternal HOMA-IR and cord blood C-peptide was 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS: IPI < 12 months was associated with failing the communication domain in infants. Maternal-fetal glucose metabolism abnormality may partially explain the risk of neurodevelopmental delay caused by short IPI.

The effects of reproductive variables on child mortality in Ethiopia: evidence from demographic and health surveys from 2000 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Child mortality is a crucial indicator reflecting a country's health and socioeconomic status. Despite significant global improvements in reducing early childhood deaths, Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa still bear the highest burden of newborn mortality. Ethiopia is one of five countries that account for half of new-born deaths worldwide. METHODS: This study examined the relationship between specific reproductive factors and under-five mortality in Ethiopia. A discrete-time survival model was applied to analyze data collected from four Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted between 2000 and 2016. The study focused on investigating the individual and combined effects of three factors: preceding birth interval, maternal age at childbirth, and birth order, on child mortality. RESULTS: The study found that lengthening the preceding birth interval to 18-23, 24-35, 36-47, or 48+ months reduced the risk of under-five deaths by 30%, 46%, 56%, and 60% respectively, compared to very short birth intervals (less than 18 months). Giving birth between the ages 20-34 and 35+ reduced the risk by 34% and 8% respectively, compared to giving birth below the age of 20. The risk of under-five death was higher for a 7th-born child by 17% compared to a 2nd or 3rd-born child. The combined effect analysis showed that higher birth order at a young maternal age increased the risk. In comparison, lower birth order in older maternal age groups was associated with higher risk. Lastly, very short birth intervals posed a greater risk for children with higher birth orders. CONCLUSION: Not only does one reproductive health variable negatively affect child survival, but their combination has the strongest effect. It is therefore recommended that policies in Ethiopia should address short birth intervals, young age of childbearing, and order of birth through an integrated strategy.

Short Interpregnancy Intervals Among Women Experiencing Homelessness in Colorado.

Importance: Short interpregnancy intervals (SIPIs) are associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Disparities exist across socioeconomic status, but there is little information on SIPIs among women experiencing homelessness. Objective: To investigate (1) differences in rates and characteristics of SIPIs between women experiencing homelessness and domiciled women, (2) whether the association of homelessness with SIPIs differs across races and ethnicities, and (3) whether the association between SIPIs of less than 6 months (very short interpregnancy interval [VSIPIs]) and maternal and neonatal outcomes differs between participant groups. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used a Colorado statewide database linking the Colorado All Payer Claims Database, Homeless Management Information System, death records, and infant birth records. Participants included all women who gave birth between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2022, to May 10, 2023. Exposures: Homelessness and race and ethnicity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome consisted of SIPI, a binary variable indicating whether the interval between delivery and conception of the subsequent pregnancy was shorter than 18 months. The association of VSIPI with maternal and neonatal outcomes was also tested. Results: A total of 77 494 women (mean [SD] age, 30.7 [5.3] years) were included in the analyses, of whom 636 (0.8%) were women experiencing homelessness. The mean (SD) age was 29.5 (5.4) years for women experiencing homelessness and 30.7 (5.3) years for domiciled women. In terms of race and ethnicity, 39.3% were Hispanic, 7.3% were non-Hispanic Black, and 48.4% were non-Hispanic White. Associations between homelessness and higher odds of SIPI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04-1.46]) were found. Smaller associations between homelessness and SIPI were found among non-Hispanic Black (AOR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.37-0.96]) and non-Hispanic White (AOR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.39-0.84]) women compared with Hispanic women. A greater association of VSIPI with emergency department visits and low birth weight was found among women experiencing homelessness compared with domiciled women, although no significant differences were detected. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of women who gave birth from 2016 to 2021, an association between homelessness and higher odds of SIPIs was found. These findings highlight the importance of conception management among women experiencing homelessness. Racial and ethnic disparities should be considered when designing interventions.

Interpregnancy interval and adverse birth outcomes: a population-based cohort study of twins.

BACKGROUND: To investigate associations between interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) and adverse birth outcomes in twin pregnancies. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of 9,867 twin pregnancies in Western Australia from 1980-2015. Relative Risks (RRs) were estimated for the interval prior to the pregnancy (IPI) as the exposure and after the pregnancy as a negative control exposure for preterm birth (< 37 weeks), early preterm birth (< 34 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA: < 10th percentile of birth weight by sex and gestational age) and low birth weight (LBW: birthweight < 2,500 g). RESULTS: Relative to IPIs of 18-23 months, IPIs of < 6 months were associated with a higher risk of early preterm birth (aRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.83) and LBW for at least one twin (aRR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.28). IPIs of 6-11 months were associated with a higher risk of SGA (aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.54) and LBW for at least one twin (aRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19). IPIs of 60-119 months and ≥ 120 months were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22; and (aRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.41, respectively), and LBW for at least one twin (aRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.28; and aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05-1.36, respectively). IPIs of ≥ 120 months were also associated with an increased risk of early preterm birth (aRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01-2.00). After negative control analysis, IPIs ≥ 120 months remained associated with early preterm birth and LBW. CONCLUSION: Evidence for adverse associations with twin birth outcomes was strongest for long IPIs.

Association between interpregnancy interval and risk of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Although the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been reported to be associated with interpregnancy intervals (IPIs), their association remains debatable due to inconsistent findings in existing studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore their association. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically retrieved up to May 25, 2022. An updated search was performed on May 25, 2023, to encompass recent studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Our primary outcome measures were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Given various control measures for IPI and diverse IPI thresholds in the included studies, a Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. Eight studies were included, involving 24,865 children with ASD and 2,890,289 children without ASD. Compared to an IPI of 24 to 35 months, various IPIs were significantly associated with a higher risk of ASD (IPIs < 6 months: OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.53-1.74, n = 5; IPIs of 6-11 months: OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.42-1.59, n = 4; IPIs of 12-23 months: OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.23, n = 10; IPIs of 36-59 months: OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, n = 2; IPIs of 60-119 months: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.20, n = 4; IPIs > 120 months: OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.43-1.72, n = 4). After adjusting confounding variables, our analysis delineated a U-shaped restricted cubic spline curve, underscoring that both substantially short (< 24 months) and excessively long IPIs (> 72 months) are significantly correlated with an increased risk of ASD.  Conclusion: Our analysis indicates that both shorter and longer IPIs might predispose children to a higher risk of ASD. Optimal childbearing health and neurodevelopmental outcomes appear to be associated with a moderate IPI, specifically between 36 and 60 months. What is Known: • An association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) has been speculated in some reports. • This association remains debatable due to inconsistent findings in available studies. What is New: • Our study delineated a U-shaped restricted cubic spline curve, suggesting that both shorter and longer IPIs predispose children to a higher risk of ASD. • Optimal childbearing health and neurodevelopmental outcomes appear to be associated with a moderate IPI, specifically between 36 and 60 months.

Association between interpregnancy interval and gestational diabetes mellitus: A cohort study of the National Vital Statistics System 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: Data of this retrospective cohort study were obtained from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) 2020. The participants were divided into different groups according to different IPI (<6, 6-11, 12-17, 18-23, 24-59 (reference), 60-119, ≥120 months). Multivariate logistic models were constructed to evaluate the association between IPI and GDM. Subgroup analysis was further performed. RESULTS: A total of 1 515 263 women were included, with 123 951 (8.18%) having GDM. Compared with the 24-59 months group, the <6 months (odds ratio [OR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.90, P = 0.009), 12-17 months (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98, P < 0.001), and 18-23 months (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93-0.96, P < 0.001) groups had a significantly lower risk of GDM, while the 60-119 months (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.15, P < 0.001) and ≥120 months (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.15-1.21, P < 0.001) groups had a significantly higher risk of GDM. No significant difference was observed in the risk of GDM between the 6-11 and 24-59 months groups (P = 0.542). The PI-GDM association varied across different groups of age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, pre-pregnancy smoking status, history of cesarean section, history of preterm birth, prior terminations, and parity. CONCLUSION: An IPI of 18-23 months may be a better interval than 24-59 months in managing the risk of GDM.

Association of interpregnancy interval and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in woman by different previous gestational ages.

BACKGROUND: With an increasing proportion of multiparas, proper interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) are urgently needed. However, the association between IPIs and adverse perinatal outcomes has always been debated. This study aimed to explore the association between IPIs and adverse outcomes in different fertility policy periods and for different previous gestational ages. METHODS: We used individual data from China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System between 2014 and 2019. Multivariable Poisson models with restricted cubic splines were used. Each adverse outcome was analyzed separately in the overall model and stratified models. The stratified models included different categories of fertility policy periods (2014-2015, 2016-2017, and 2018-2019) and infant gestational age in previous pregnancy (<28 weeks, 28-36 weeks, and ≥37 weeks). RESULTS: There were 781,731 pregnancies enrolled in this study. A short IPI (≤6 months) was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR [95% CI]: 1.63 [1.55, 1.71] for vaginal delivery [VD] and 1.10 [1.03, 1.19] for cesarean section [CS]), low Apgar scores and small for gestational age (SGA), and a decreased risk of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and gestational hypertension. A long IPI (≥60 months) was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR [95% CI]: 1.18 [1.11, 1.26] for VD and 1.39 [1.32, 1.47] for CS), placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and gestational hypertension. Fertility policy changes had little effect on the association of IPIs and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The estimated risk of preterm birth, low Apgar scores, SGA, diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, and gestational hypertension was more profound among women with previous term births than among those with preterm births or pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION: For pregnant women with shorter or longer IPIs, more targeted health care measures during pregnancy should be formulated according to infant gestational age in previous pregnancy.

Racial and ethnic disparities in short interval pregnancy following delivery in Catholic vs non-Catholic hospitals among California Medicaid enrollees.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the impact of Catholic hospital delivery on short interval pregnancy in the California 2010-2014 Medicaid population. STUDY DESIGN: We used Cox regression to estimate the association between hospital affiliation and short interval pregnancy, adjusting for patient factors. RESULTS: Catholic hospital delivery had increased the risk of pregnancy within 6 months for Black (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.06, 1.17) and Hispanic (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05, 1.09) but not for White women (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.98, 1.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among California women with Medicaid, Catholic hospital delivery was associated with short interval pregnancy only among women of color.

Women's Sexual Autonomy and Short Birth Interval in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multilevel Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey Data.

Sexual autonomy is an inalienable human right to protect and maintain an informed decision over one's body, sexuality, and sexual experience. With the increased attention to women's empowerment and gender equality all over the world, it is surprising that previous research has overlooked the relationship between women's sexual autonomy and short birth intervals. This study examined the association between women's sexual autonomy and short birth intervals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data were sourced from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 29 sub-Saharan African countries conducted from 2010 to 2019. A total of 222,940 women were included in this study. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between sexual autonomy and short birth interval. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and significance level was set at p < .05. The overall proportions of sexual autonomy and short birth interval among women in SSA were 75.1% and 13.3%, respectively. Women who reported having sexual autonomy had lower odds of short birth interval [aOR = 0.94; CI = 0.91, 0.96]. The likelihood of short birth interval among women increased with increasing maternal and partner's age but reduced with increasing level of education and wealth index. Given that short birth intervals could have negative maternal and child health outcomes, public health authorities in sub-Saharan African countries should endeavor to promote health interventions and social programs to empower women with low sexual autonomy.

Short birth interval prevalence, determinants and effects on maternal and child health outcomes in Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Short birth interval (SBI) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, infant and child health outcomes. However, the prevalence and maternal and child health impacts of SBI in the Asia-Pacific region have not been well understood. This study aims to identify and summarise the existing evidence on SBI including its definition, measurement prevalence, determinants and association with adverse maternal and child health outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science (WoS)) will be systematically searched from September 2000 up to May 2023. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised based on the outcomes measured, and where appropriate, meta-analysis will be performed. The risk of bias will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal. Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework will be used to evaluate the quality of cumulative evidence from the included studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not require ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: A protocol will be registered on PROSPERO for each separate outcome before performing the review.Cite Now.

Inter-pregnancy interval and placental weight. A population based follow-up study in Norway.

INTRODUCTION: We studied changes in placental weight from the first to the second delivery according to length of the inter-pregnancy interval. METHODS: We followed all women in Norway from their first to their second successive singleton pregnancy during the years 1999-2019, a total of 271 184 women. We used data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and studied changes in placental weight (in grams (g)) according to the length of the inter-pregnancy. Adjustments were made for year and maternal age at first delivery, changes in the prevalence of maternal diseases (hypertension and diabetes), and a new father to the second pregnancy. RESULTS: Mean placental weight increased from 655 g at the first delivery to 680 g at the second. The adjusted increase in placental weight was highest at inter-pregnancy intervals <6 months; 38.2 g (95 % CI 33.0g-43.4 g) versus 23.2 g (95 % CI 18.8g-27.7 g) at inter-pregnancy interval 6-17 months. At inter-pregnancy intervals ≥18 months, placental weight remained higher than at the first delivery, but was non-different from inter-pregnancy intervals 6-17 months. Also, after additional adjustment for daily smoking and body mass index in sub-samples, we found the highest increase in placental weight at the shortest inter-pregnancy interval. We estimated no difference in gestational age at delivery or placental to birthweight ratio according to inter-pregnancy interval. DISCUSSION: Placental weight increased from the first to the second pregnancy, and the increase was most pronounced at short inter-pregnancy intervals. The biological causes and implications of such findings remain to be studied.

Factors associated with short birth interval among reproductive-age women in East Africa.

BACKGROUND: Child and maternal mortality continue as a major public health concern in East African countries. Optimal birth interval is a key strategy to curve the huge burden of maternal, neonatal, infant, and child mortality. To reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 33 months between two consecutive births. Even though short birth interval is most common in many East African countries, as to our search of literature there is limited study published on factors associated with short birth interval. Therefore, this study investigated factors associated with short birth intervals among women in East Africa. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with short birth intervals among reproductive-age women in East Africa based on the most recent demographic and health survey data. DESIGN: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted based on the most recent demographic and health survey data of 12 East African countries. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique was employed to recruit the study participants. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A total weighted sample of 105,782 reproductive-age women who had two or more births were included. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with short birth interval. Four nested models were fitted and a model with the lowest deviance value (-2log-likelihood ratio) was chosen. In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio with the 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association between short birth interval and independent variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of short birth interval in East Africa was 16.99% (95% confidence interval: 16.76%, 17.21%). Women aged 25-34 years, who completed their primary education, and did not perceive the distance to the health facility as a major problem had lower odds of short birth interval. On the contrary, women who belonged to the poorest household, made their own decisions with their husbands/partners or by their husbands or parents alone, lived in households headed by men, had unmet family planning needs, and were multiparous had higher odds of having short birth interval. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-fifth of births in East Africa had short birth interval. Therefore, it is essential to promote family planning coverage, improve maternal education, and empower women to decrease the incidence of short birth intervals and their effects.

The Impact of Childhood Mortality on Fertility in Rural Tanzania: Evidence From the Ifakara and Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems.

This manuscript examines the relationship between child mortality and subsequent fertility using longitudinal data on births and childhood deaths occurring among 15,291 Tanzanian mothers between 2000 and 2015. Generalized hazard regression analyses assess the effect of child loss on the hazard of conception, adjusting for child-level, mother-level, and contextual covariates. Results show that time to conception is most reduced if an index child dies during the subsequent birth interval, representing the combined effect of biological and volitional replacement. Deaths occurring during prior birth intervals were associated with accelerated time to conception during future intervals, consistent with hypothesized insurance effects of anticipating future child loss, but this effect is smaller than replacement effects. The analysis reveals that residence in areas of relatively high child mortality is associated with hastened parity progression, again consistent with the insurance hypothesis. Investigation of high-order interactions suggests that insurance effects tend to be greater in low-mortality communities, replacement effects tend to be stronger in high-mortality community contexts, and wealthier families tend to exhibit a weaker insurance response but a stronger replacement response to childhood mortality relative to poorer families.