[Birth intervals and birth of low weight infants in Benin]

Low birthweight is a public health problem in Benin but its etiology remains unclear. Studies in industrial countries suggest several risk factors including the interval between pregnancies or child spacing. The purpose of this cohort study was to assess the relationship between pregnancy interval and low birthweight in Benin. Data were collected from a total of 2,862 multiparous pregnant women randomly recruited in 1991 at the time of their first prenatal care visit to maternity units in Cotonou, Benin. Sociodemographic information and obstetrical history were obtained by interviewing the mother and reviewing delivery records. About 15% of the women recruited delivered low birthweight children. The relative risks of preterm birthweight and intrauterine growth retardation was calculated in function of three pregnancy intervals: less than 12 months, 12 to 23 months, and 24 to 34 months. It was 1.31 (1.00-1.75), 1.00 (0.70-1.02)) and 0.77 (0.60-0.87) respectively for preterm birthweight and 1.27 (1.03-1.64), 1.17 (0.79-1.39) and 0.79 5 (0.57-0.87) respectively for intrauterine growth retardation. Logistic regression analysis taking into account sociodemographic factors and previous obstetrical history did not show a significant correlation between pregnancy interval and preterm low birthweight or between pregnancy interval and intrauterine growth retardation. Maternal nutritional status, maternal age, number of previous births, and education level were correlated with low birthweight.