Short Birth Spacing Research Articles

Spatial variation of short birth intervals and their determinant factors among reproductive women in Ethiopia using a geographically weighted regression model.

In low- and middle-income nations, a significant proportion of maternal and infant deaths are caused by a short birth interval (SBI). In Ethiopia, it is the main factor contributing to maternal and infant mortality. Understanding the spatial distribution of SBIs, i.e., birth intervals of less than 33 months, and the factors that influence them is important for categorizing and promoting targeted interventions. This study used a geographically weighted regression model to evaluate the factors associated with SBIs in hot areas of Ethiopia. The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey, which is nationally representative, provided the data for this study. The first step in the two-stage cluster design used to collect the data was enumeration areas, and the second stage was households. The survey was conducted between 21 March 2019 and 28 June 2019. A hot spot analysis (local Getis-Ord Gi* statistics) was initially used to investigate spatial variation in SBIs. Geographically weighted regression was used to examine the regional variation in the relationship between SBIs and the factors that cause them. The study indicated that the overall proportion of SBIs among women in Ethiopia was 43.2%. The values for Global Moran's I (Moran's I = 0.773 and p < 0.001) showed the presence of significant SBIs clustering in Ethiopian administrative zones in Ethiopia. High-risk areas of the SBIs include Jarar, Doolo, Shabelle, Afder, Liben, Korahe, Nogob, West Harerge, Guji, Sidama, and Assosa zones. Living in a geographic region with a high proportion of uneducated women, women lacking breastfeeding practices, and followers of Orthodox religions increased the proportion of SBIs. Our full map of hot spots for short birth spacing and the factors that affect them helps in the implementation of precise public health measures for decision-makers.

Prevalence and outcomes of short birth spacing pregnancy: A cross-sectional study

Prevalence and outcomes of short birth spacing pregnancy: A cross-sectional study

Son Targeting Fertility Behaviour in Albania

The collapse of communism led to highly skewed sex ratios in Albania, which had a long patriarchal tradition before the advent of communism. While the use of sex-selective abortions in the region is well-known, little is known about other forms taken by revealed son preference, such as differential stopping behaviour and birth spacing. Pooling data from the Demographic Health Surveys in 2008–2009 and 2017–2018, we find evidence of a higher proportion of boys being born at the last birth, indicating that parents practice differential stopping behaviour. Using a logit model, we also show that in sonless households parents shorten the birth intervals significantly, endangering mothers’ and children’s health. We conclude that differential stopping behaviour and short birth spacing are prevalent in all regions and across the socio-economic spectrum.

Understanding the Relation between Short Birth Spacing and Child Maltreatment: Are Associations Due to Parental History of Childhood Abuse and Neglect?

AbstractExisting literature documents connections between short birth spacing (birth‐to‐conception interval of under 18 months) and the risk of child maltreatment, but explanations for this relation are understudied. We hypothesise that short birth spacing predicts child maltreatment, and it mediates the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment and their child's risk of abuse and neglect. We use data for second and higher parity children from the Prospective Study of Infant Development (n = 335) and fit logistic regression models with relevant covariates to examine the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment, her offspring's short birth spacing and her offspring's child maltreatment (CM) as measured by Child Protective Services (CPS) assessments. Findings demonstrate that children of mothers who reported experiencing any abuse or neglect during childhood have a higher likelihood of being born shortly spaced and a higher likelihood of CM. Additionally, short birth spacing is associated with increased likelihood of CM. No evidence for mediation from maternal history of maltreatment to CM operating through short birth spacing was detected. We conclude that maternal history of childhood maltreatment and short birth spacing are independent, additive factors for CM risk.

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

ObjectivesThis 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...

Impact of Short Birth Spacing on Maternal Anemia at District Head Quarters Hospital Nankana Sahib

Short birth intervals are independently associated with increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, infant and child outcomes. Maternal anemia is one of the commonest complications of short birth spacing that further can enhance the risk of poor fetal and maternal outcome. Objective: To determine the effect of short birth spacing on maternal anemia at District Headquarters Hospital Nankana Sahib. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was done at Gynecology and obstetrics Department of District Headquarters Hospital Nankana sahib. A total of 135 pregnant women of 18 to 40 years’ age, 18 to 59 months of inter-pregnancy intervals were included. All the demographic and clinical data was collected according to predesigned questionnaire. Results: In this study all females were anemic, whereas there were 57(42.22%) females had mild anemia, 61(45.19%) females had moderate and 17(12.59%) females had severe anemia. There was association between severity of Hb levels with higher age group, lower socioeconomic status, previous history of vaginal + C-section and females with third trimester. Moreover, there was significantly negative correlation between Hb levels and higher gravida, p-value ≤ 0.05. Conclusions: Itis concluded from the results of our study that all mothers had different degrees of anemia. There was a statistically significant association between severity of Hb levels with higher age group, lower socioeconomic status, previous history of vaginal + C-section and females with third trimester (p &lt; 0.05). While, no significant association and a negative correlation was found between Hb levels and multigravida (r = - 0.181 &amp; p = 0.035).

High-risk pregnancy in India: Prevalence and contributing risk factors - a national survey-based analysis.

High-risk pregnancies (HRP) place women and their offspring at the highest risk for morbidity and mortality. Maternal and medical risks increase pregnancy risk and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Here, we reported the current prevalence of high-risk pregnancies among Indian women, which is defined through various factors such as maternal, lifestyle, medical, current health risk and adverse birth outcomes. This is a cross-sectional study based on secondary data from India's National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). A total of 23 853 currently pregnant women were considered for analysis after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence and contributing factors of high-risk pregnancies were estimated using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, respectively. The prevalence of high-risk pregnancies among Indian women was 49.4%, with 33% of women having a single high-risk, and 16.4% having multiple high-risk pregnancies. Notably, pregnant women from Meghalaya and Manipur states had 67.8% and 66.7% with one or more high-risk factors, respectively. About 31.1% of women had short birth spacing, and 19.5% of women had adverse birth outcomes during the last birth. Logistic regression analysis showed that women with no education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.84-2.22) and the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04-1.29) had significantly higher odds of having HRP than those with higher education and the highest wealth quintile, respectively. Nearly half of all pregnancies in India have one or more high-risk factors, which is a matter of concern, and the risks were higher among the vulnerable population such as no educated, poorest groups etc. The leading high-risk factors such as short-birth spacing, adverse birth outcomes, and caesarean deliveries should be addressed through the health policy and programmes.

Knowledgment of Birth Spacing Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Mukalla District, Yemen

Background: Short birth spacing linked with adversative health consequences for infant, child and maternal mortality also increases the chances of mother and their children survival.&#x0D; Objective: To assess the determinants and the knowledge of birth space amongst women of reproductive age in Mukalla district, Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study of 384 women of multiplicative ages (15-49 years) was conducted at primary health care centres in Mukalla district. The study was conducted from November. 2018 to Oct 2019.&#x0D; Results: The median birth spacing was 35 months. (50.8 %) of respondents have been committed undersized birth spacing underneath the indorsed interval of ideal delivery spacing. Multivariate logestic V regression revealed that age of mother between 15-24 years (OR 3.255, 95%CI 1.598-6.629, P=0.001), not enough family income (OR 1.867, 95%CI1.104-3.158, P =0.020 ), number of living children ≤ 3 children (OR 1.225, 95%CI .532–2.520, P=0.027) and breast feeding duration &lt; 6 months (OR7.435 , 95%CI 1.490 – 37.101,P=0.014) or 6-&lt;12 months (OR 7.320, 95%CI 1.406–38.116, P=0.018) were linked with augmented hazard of short birth spacing, whereas mother’s history of chronic disease (OR.026,95%CI .003-.227,P=.001) and modern family planning methods utilization (OR.208, 95%CI.112-.386, P=0.000) were linked with decreased risk of little birth space. (58.1%) of respondents had high level of knowledge about the birth spacing.&#x0D; Conclusion: Certain factors were significant predictors of short birth spacing in Mukalla's women. This should lead to encouragement of longer birth spacing between births.

Knowledgment of Birth Spacing Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Mukalla District, Yemen

Background: Short birth spacing linked with adversative health consequences for infant, child and maternal mortality also increases the chances of mother and their children survival. Objective: To assess the determinants and the knowledge of birth space amongst women of reproductive age in Mukalla district, Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen. Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study of 384 women of multiplicative ages (15-49 years) was conducted at primary health care centres in Mukalla district. The study was conducted from November. 2018 to Oct 2019. Results: The median birth spacing was 35 months. (50.8 %) of respondents have been committed undersized birth spacing underneath the indorsed interval of ideal delivery spacing. Multivariate logestic V regression revealed that age of mother between 15-24 years (OR 3.255, 95%CI 1.598-6.629, P=0.001), not enough family income (OR 1.867, 95%CI1.104-3.158, P =0.020 ), number of living children ≤ 3 children (OR 1.225, 95%CI .532–2.520, P=0.027) and breast feeding duration &lt; 6 months (OR7.435 , 95%CI 1.490 – 37.101,P=0.014) or 6-&lt;12 months (OR 7.320, 95%CI 1.406–38.116, P=0.018) were linked with augmented hazard of short birth spacing, whereas mother’s history of chronic disease (OR.026,95%CI .003-.227,P=.001) and modern family planning methods utilization (OR.208, 95%CI.112-.386, P=0.000) were linked with decreased risk of little birth space. (58.1%) of respondents had high level of knowledge about the birth spacing. Conclusion: Certain factors were significant predictors of short birth spacing in Mukalla's women. This should lead to encouragement of longer birth spacing between births. Keywords: Birth spacing; knowledgment; primary health care centers; Yemen

Asupan omega-6 dan kejadian persalinan caesarean section di wilayah Puskesmas Bendosari

The prevalence of Cesarean Section (SC) childbirth in the Bendosari Health Center area is quite high, namely p in 2022 from January to March as much as 28.68% of the total 122 deliveries. One of the factors that cause cesarean section is PUFA intake, especially high omega-6 intake.  This study aims to determine the relationship between omega-6 intake and the incidence of cesarean section in postpartum mothers in the Bendosari Health Center area. This study was used an observational method with a cross sectional approach. The subjects of the study were 66 postpartum mothers and purposive sampling method was used because the number of postpartum mothers who have infants less than 3 months and had history of SC not by their will, not due to short birth spacing, not placenta previa and infection was limited. Sampling of postpartum mothers with infants 3 months of age is done with the aim of observing omega-6 consumption in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Data on omega-6 intake during the 2-3rd semester tri pregnancy period were obtained by direct interview method using the Semi Quantitative Food Frequency (SQ-FFQ) form while data method of delivery was obtained through secondary data from Bendosari Primary health care.  The association between omega-6 intake and the incidence of SC birth was analyzed using the Chi Square test. There was no relationship between omega-6 intake and the incidence of SC in the Bendosari Health Center area (P-value= 0.96). Keywords: omega-6 intake, cesarean section, pregnancy

Results of Immediate Postpartum Long Acting Reversible Contraception Provision After Expanded Reimbursement Policy Implementation at an Academic Medical Institution.

Immediate postpartum (IPP) Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is effective in reducing short birth spacing, which is highest among minoritized and younger women with lower socioeconomic status. The structural barrier of cost for pregnant people who desire IPP LARC insertion was alleviated in 2016 when New York State provided statewide reimbursement for Medicaid recipients. Analyses of existing electronic medical records (EMR) were conducted on women who received IPP LARC between 3/2/17 and 9/2/19 at two hospitals after a term delivery, defined as gestational age 37 0/7 weeks or greater. Descriptive and bivariate statistics, including chi-square tests and Fischer's exact tests, based on cell sizes, were calculated using SAS (version9.4). Prior to the study period, IPP LARC was not placed in these hospitals. After reimbursement policy changes, electronic medical record data identified 501 women with full term delivery and IPP LARC placed, of which the majority were single (82.8%), Black (49.1%), and had public insurance (Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care) (79.2%). Removing structural economic barriers for people using public insurance may increase health equity in contraceptive access and choice.

Birth Spacing and Child Maltreatment: Population-Level Estimates for North Carolina.

We examine population-level associations between birth spacing and child maltreatment using birth records and child welfare records for 1,099,230 second or higher parity children born in North Carolina between 1997 and 2013. Building upon previous research, administrative data linkages were used to address out-of-state migration and family-level heterogeneity in birth spacing and child maltreatment risk factors. Findings provide the strongest evidence to date that very short birth spacing of zero through 6 months from last birth to the index child's conception is a prenatal predictor of child maltreatment (indexed as child welfare involvement) throughout early childhood. Consequently, information about optimal family planning during the postpartum period should become a standard component of universal and targeted child maltreatment prevention programs. However, challenging previous empirical evidence, this study reports inconsistent results for benefits of additional spacing delay beyond 6months with regard to child maltreatment risk reduction, especially for children of racial and ethnic minorities. These findings call for further inquiry about the mechanisms driving the connections between birth spacing and Child Protective Services assessments.

СОСТОЯНИЕ ЗДОРОВЬЯ И УСЛОВИЯ ЖИЗНИ ДЕТЕЙ В ВОЗРАСТЕ ДО 7 ЛЕТ, ПРОЖИВАЮЩИХ В ЧЕЧЕНСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ

Significance. Health of child population is one of the most important priorities of the state policy. Each region of Russia has its own characteristics of living conditions that affect the health of children, therefore, the assessment of regional characteristics of living and upbringing conditions of children in terms of their impact on health is a relevant objective. Purpose. To assess the impact of individual factors of living conditions of families in the Chechen Republic on the health of children under the age of 7 years. Material and Methods. During the preventive medical examination, a survey of parents of 793 children under 7 living in 9 districts of the Chechen Republic has been conducted. As a result, 536 questionnaires completed by 85% and more were analyzed. The health group determined based on the examination results was used as an effective indicator for assessing the impact of family living conditions on health. Results. The peculiar features of living conditions of children under 7 in the Chechen Republic are as follows: a high share of rural dwellers; a high number of large families; short birth spacing; a significant number of non-working mothers; an extremely low number of single-parent families with children. The child health is adversely affected by the following: living in rural areas; living in a family with five children and more; low educational level of parents; lack of funds for the child material support in low-income families. Conclusions. The Chechen Republic has its own peculiar characteristics of living conditions of children, which affect the child health and should be taken into account when developing regional programs aimed at preventing health disorders in children.

Patterns and determinants of birth intervals in a sample of women in Erbil city, Iraq

Background and objectives: Birth spacing has been recognized as an indispensable life-saving measure for both mothers and newborns. The present study has been conducted in the northern part of Iraq (Erbil city) to assess birth spacing among a group of women and find its association with different variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was applied among women attendees to the Maternity Teaching Hospital and two primary health care centers in Erbil city over a one-year period from 1st of October 2019 to 30th of October 2020. A convenient sample size of 500 married women who have at least previous two consecutive births. Direct interview with women was used to collect data on demographic, social, and obstetric characteristics. Results: The prevalence rate of short birth spacing for the whole study population was 63.4%. A significant relationship was detected among those with an educational level of intermediate &amp; secondary school and below, housewives and those with low to medium Socioeconomic status as the rate of short birth spacing was highest in the reproductive age group of women (from age 35 to age 44), those with educational level of intermediate &amp; secondary school and below, those who were housewife, and those with low to medium socio economic status (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.008) respectively. Also, the rate of socioeconomic status among those with history of abortion (69%) was significantly higher than the rate (58.6%) among those with no such history with (p&lt;0.016). Conclusions: it confirmed that the distribution of short birth spacing of women in Kurdistan region is significantly influenced by many determinant factors including maternal age, education, occupation, parity, socio-economic status and non-contraception use.

Speeding up for a son in Turkey

ABSTRACT Son preference is known to influence fertility decisions, but very little is known about the prevalence of son preference in Turkey and its consequences for fertility behaviours. We use data from five waves of the Demographic and Health Survey and the Survey on Income and Living Conditions to show that son preference results in differential stopping behaviours and shorter birth spacing. Despite many public reforms promoting gender equality in Turkey, women and children are put at risk in the quest for a son. This result holds in all regions, in both urban and rural areas, and across the socio-economic spectrum.

The effects of birth spacing on early childhood development in high-income nations: A systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the associations between birth spacing and developmental outcomes in early childhood (3-10 years of age). Studies examining the associations between interpregnancy intervals and child development outcomes during and beyond the perinatal period have not been systematically reviewed. We searched Ovid/MEDLINE, Global Health, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Educational Source, Research Starters, ERIC, Scopus, PubMed, Social Science Research Network database, and ProQuest's Social Sciences Databases for relevant articles published between 1 January 1989 and 25 June 2021. Studies published in English, conducted in populations residing in high-income countries with any measure of birth spacing, and child development outcomes among children aged <10 years were included. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of studies and extracted data on the study design, setting and population, birth spacing, outcomes, and results. The search yielded 1,556 records, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Five of these seven studies used birth intervals as the exposure measure. Definitions of exposure differed between the studies. Three studies reported an association between short birth spacing and poorer child development outcomes, and two studies reported an association between long birth spacing and poorer child development outcomes. Currently, limited evidence suggests that the adverse effects of sub-optimal birth spacing are observable beyond infancy.

Determinan stunting pada bayi usia 0 – 24 bulan di Kabupaten Pidie: Studi kasus-kontrol

The causes of stunting in toddlers include home environment and maternal factors. Maternal factors include pre-pregnancy nutrition, lack of maternal height, infection during pregnancy, teenage pregnancy, premature birth, short birth spacing, hypertension, maternal mental health, and late initiation of early breastfeeding. The study aimed to determine the association of teenage pregnancy and several other determinants with the incidence of stunting. The research design, namely Case-control, was carried out in 10 health center working areas in Pidie Regency in 2020. The sample comprised 402 infants aged 0 to 24 months, 201 cases and 201 controls. Direct interviews, observations, and anthropometric measures were employed to obtain data. Data processing consists of editing, coding, and tabulation—statistical analysis of the Chi-square test at CI:95%. The results showed that there was an association between teenage pregnancy (p= 0,000), maternal BMI (p= 0,006), premature labor (p= 0,024), maternal education (p= 0,011), income (p= 0,004) with the incidence of stunting. In contrast, there was no association between ANC (p= 0,920), CED (p= 0,303), hypertension (p= 0,96), and maternal occupation (p= 0,119) with the incidence of stunting in toddlers. In conclusion, the determinants of stunting among children under five years old in Pidie Regency are teenage pregnancy, maternal BMI, premature labor, maternal education, and income.Keywords:

Analyzing socioeconomic related health inequality in mothers and children using the concentration index

&#x0D; Background: The effect of socioeconomic inequity on major public health indices such as maternal and child mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries are less understood and needs to be evaluated through the concentration index.&#x0D; Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 in Hamadan City, the west of Iran, and 1400 households were enrolled through a stratified cluster random sampling method. The effect of inequity on health outcomes was investigated via a three-stage procedure including: (a) definition of health outcomes; (b) measuring socioeconomic status using an asset index; and (c) measuring inequality of health outcome using concentration index (CI).&#x0D; Results: There was inequality for all outcomes of interest. The CI was negative for low birth weight, underweight, stunting, wasting, minor injuries, moderate injuries, consanguineous marriage, child with disability, short birth spacing, and adolescent pregnancy indicating the disproportionate concentration of the health outcomes among the poor. On the other hand, CI was positive for preterm birth, Nonexclusive breastfeeding, severe injuries, incomplete health care, cesarean section, and advanced maternal age indicating opposite conclusion.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to our results, there is a health inequality between the poor and the rich subgroups which may increase the risk of mothers and infant mortality and morbidity rates among the poor while the majority of the conditions related to the health outcomes are preventable.&#x0D;

Relationship between Mothers Birth Spacing and Incidence of Stunting in Children 24 - 59 months

&#x0D; Abstract: (1) Background: Stunting is one of the nutritional problems that occur in children under five years old. Based on maternal factors, the cause of stunting is a short birth spacing which results in a lack of energy recovery after giving birth to a previous child. This study aims to determine the relationship between birth spacing and stunting in children 24-59 months. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a total of 130 children who with their parents attended monthly visits to the Public Health Center of Grogol Petamburan District West Jakarta, Indonesia in September-November 2019. Data were collected using z scores and questionnaires. The Chi-square test was performed for data analysis. (3) Results: The prevalence of stunting in this study was lower than the national prevalence and the incidence of stunting was higher in birth spacing below 2 years. Short interval birth spacing increases the risk of stunting. However, the relationship between childbirth spacing and incidence of stunting in children 24-59 months was not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Short interval of birth spacing is not a direct cause of stunting as there are other related modifiable factors.&#x0D;

ANALISIS FAKTOR RISIKO TERJADINYA PERDARAHAN POST PARTUM PADA IBU BERSALIN

The World Health Organization estimates that about 810 women die every day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal mortality rate (MMR) is the ratio of maternal mortality during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum or their handling but not due to other causes. other causes such as accidental or incidental to every 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate is still high at 305 per 100,000 births. The causes of death that are often found in mothers are complications that occur during childbirth including 1,280 cases of bleeding, 1,066 cases of hypertension in pregnancy, and 207 cases of infection. Postpartum bleeding is bleeding vaginally 500 ccs or after the child is born. The purpose of this study was to determine parity, age, and spacing of pregnancies. This study uses an analytical survey method with a cross-sectional approach. The population used in this study were all mothers who gave birth, amounting to 958 people. The sampling technique of this research is simple random sampling by making the entire population a sample of 36 people. The results of the univariate analysis showed that 25 (69.4%) respondents had high parity and as many as 11 (30.6%), 17 (47.2%) respondents had a risk age and 19 (52.8%) and 16 (44, 4%) respondents have short birth spacing and as many as 20 (55.6%) respondents have normal birth spacing. From the results of the bivariate data analysis using the chi-square statistical test, it shows the limit of significance = 0.05, it is known that there is a significant relationship between parity p. value 0.004, there is a significant relationship between age p.value 0.008 and there is a significant relationship between gestational distance with the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage with p.value 0.003. Based on the results of this study, it is expected to be a contribution to advising health workers and the hospital to prevent the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage