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Impact of interpregnancy intervals on perinatal and neonatal outcomes in a multiethnic Pakistani population
Khadija Murtaza1, Zahra Saleem1, Saliha Jabeen1
1Human Genetics Program, Department of Zoology, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320 Islamabad, Pakistan.
Insights
Short birth intervals (less than 24 months) and long birth intervals (more than 36 months) increase risks for mothers and children. Optimal birth spacing is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Demography
Background:
- Short birth intervals (SBIs) and long birth intervals (LBIs) are associated with adverse health outcomes for mothers and children.
- Understanding the determinants and reproductive consequences of birth spacing is critical for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the determinants and reproductive outcomes of short birth intervals (SBIs) and long birth intervals (LBIs) in a multiethnic Pakistani population.
- To identify risks associated with non-optimal birth spacing for maternal and child health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional prospective study involving 2798 women delivering in a tertiary-care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Data collected on second or higher birth order deliveries, defining SBIs as <24 months and LBIs as >36 months.
- Reproductive outcomes assessed included perinatal/neonatal mortality and complications; logistic regression analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- SBIs and LBIs were observed in 20% and 24% of pregnancies, respectively.
- SBIs increased odds of perinatal death (AOR: 1.50) and neonatal death (AOR: 1.47).
- LBIs showed increased odds of neonatal death (AOR: 1.12) and were linked to adverse outcomes like low birth weight and low APGAR scores.
Conclusions:
- Nearly half of pregnancies in Pakistan exhibit non-optimal birth spacing.
- Both SBIs and LBIs are associated with significant risks of adverse reproductive outcomes.
- Intervention programs should prioritize promoting optimal birth spacing for maternal and child well-being.
Background:
Short birth intervals (SBIs) and long birth intervals (LBIs) have been shown to have serious implications for health of both mothers and their children. This study was aimed to investigate the determinants and reproductive outcome of SBI and LBI in a multiethnic Pakistani population.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional prospective study design, 2798 women admitted in a tertiary-care hospital in Islamabad for delivery were recruited and data on second or higher birth order deliveries were collected. Birth intervals were defined as short (<24 months) and long (>36 months). The reproductive outcome was defined in terms of perinatal and neonatal mortalities, and neonatal complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results:
Pregnancies with SBI and LBI were observed in 20% and 24% of 2798 women, respectively. Women with SBI had increased odds of perinatal death [adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 1.50] and neonatal death (AOR: 1.47) as compared to women with optimal birth intervals, while women with LBI had slightly lower odds of perinatal deaths (AOR: 0.96), but increased odds of neonatal deaths (AOR: 1.12). Further, the pregnancies with both SBI and LBI were associated with increased odds of short body length, low birth weight, small head circumference and low APGAR score.
Conclusion:
Nearly half of all pregnancies do not have optimal birth spacing albeit there is wide heterogeneity in the distribution of BI in various Pakistani ethnicities. Pregnancies with SBI and LBI had high risk of adverse reproductive outcome. Intervention programs for maternal and child health need to emphasize optimal birth spacing.
