Abstract
Numerous studies have shown an association between shorter birth intervals, and several adverse fetal outcomes, including
low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA). However, there is little evidence on the
effectiveness of interconception care on fetal outcomes associated with sub-optimal interpregnancy interval (IPI). The purpose
of this study is to examine the influence of the Federal Healthy Start’s interconception care services on IPI and fetal growth
outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort study used records from the Central Hillsborough Healthy Start program in Tampa,
Florida linked to Florida vital statistics data covering the period 2002–2009. Only first and second pregnancies were considered,
and interpregnancy interval (IPI), the exposure of interest, was categorized in months as 0–5, 6–17, 18–23, and ≥24. The following
feto-infant morbidities were considered as primary outcomes: LBW, PTB, and SGA. A composite variable coding the presence of
any of the aforementioned adverse fetal events was also created. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was applied Overall,
mothers with the shortest IPI (0–5 months: AOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.23–1.56) and longest IPI (≥60 months: AOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.23)
were at a greater risk for adverse fetal growth outcomes, compared to the referent category (18–23 months). Our findings support
the need for inter conception care that addresses IPI and delayed childbearing among women.
low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA). However, there is little evidence on the
effectiveness of interconception care on fetal outcomes associated with sub-optimal interpregnancy interval (IPI). The purpose
of this study is to examine the influence of the Federal Healthy Start’s interconception care services on IPI and fetal growth
outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort study used records from the Central Hillsborough Healthy Start program in Tampa,
Florida linked to Florida vital statistics data covering the period 2002–2009. Only first and second pregnancies were considered,
and interpregnancy interval (IPI), the exposure of interest, was categorized in months as 0–5, 6–17, 18–23, and ≥24. The following
feto-infant morbidities were considered as primary outcomes: LBW, PTB, and SGA. A composite variable coding the presence of
any of the aforementioned adverse fetal events was also created. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was applied Overall,
mothers with the shortest IPI (0–5 months: AOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.23–1.56) and longest IPI (≥60 months: AOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.23)
were at a greater risk for adverse fetal growth outcomes, compared to the referent category (18–23 months). Our findings support
the need for inter conception care that addresses IPI and delayed childbearing among women.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9427-x
- Authors
- Hamisu M. Salihu, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC56, Tampa, 33612 FL, USA
- Euna M. August, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Alfred K. Mbah, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC56, Tampa, 33612 FL, USA
- Raymond J. de Cuba, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC56, Tampa, 33612 FL, USA
- Amina P. Alio, Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Vanessa Rowland-Mishkit, REACHUP, Inc, Tampa, FL, USA
- Estrellita Lo Berry, REACHUP, Inc, Tampa, FL, USA
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145