Infant mortality among twins and triplets in rural Bangladesh in 1975-2002

Trop Med Int Health. 2007 Dec;12(12):1506-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2007.01959.x.

Abstract

To examine trends in incidence of multiple births (MB) and their survival in infancy, we used population-based, longitudinal data derived from the Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Matlab, Bangladesh, from 1975 to 2002. Logistic regression was applied to determine the impact of a number of variables on mortality among MB in the first year of life. MB averaged 2% of all live births, but contributed 10% to all infant deaths. Infant mortality among MB was more than five times higher than among singletons. Mortality among MB declined by 27% in 1975-2002, considerably less than the 51% mortality decline among singletons in the same period. Infant mortality among twins and triplets was particularly high among children who were born to young mothers (<20 years), who were the first live birth, who were born after a short birth interval (<24 months) and whose mothers were unschooled. Mortality of MB was lower in the area with easy access to high-quality maternal and child-care services. Thus, good maternity and newborn care will improve the survival of MB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bangladesh
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant Mortality / trends*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Population Surveillance / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Sex Distribution
  • Triplets*
  • Twins*