A recent study has delved into the connection between birth intervals and infant mortality across 77 countries with diverse development levels. This research aims to shed light on concerns raised about previous studies by accounting for hidden differences among mothers.
What did the study uncover? Firstly, it revealed that birth intervals shorter than 36 months substantially heighten the risk of infant death. However, the extent of this impact varies depending on factors like maternal education and geographic region.
Notably, the study also found that longer birth intervals have a more significant positive effect on reducing infant mortality in low-income countries. As development levels rise, the impact of birth intervals on infant mortality gradually diminishes.
In essence, this research provides insights into why birth intervals are a critical factor in infant health in low-income countries, while their significance is less pronounced in high-income settings. Understanding these dynamics can help inform healthcare strategies and policies aimed at improving infant survival rates worldwide.
Source: NCBI
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