Determinants and consequences of short birth interval in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Short birth intervals are known to have negative effects on pregnancy outcomes. We analysed data from a large population surveillance system in rural Bangladesh to identify predictors of short birth interval and determine consequences of short intervals on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: The study was conducted in three districts of Bangladesh - Bogra, Moulavibazar and Faridpur (population 282,643, 54,668 women of reproductive age).

Maternal death reviews at a rural hospital in Malawi.

Objective: To analyze maternal deaths at Nkhoma Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Hospital and identify factors causing delays in care.

Methods: Maternal death audits are performed after every maternal death at Nkhoma CCAP Hospital. Information regarding the care provided at the health facility, the referral process, and any delays in the community was collected by an audit team using a structured approach.

Anticipated costs of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection in young children at risk.

Background: Reliable estimates of hospitalization costs for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are necessary to perform economic analyses of preventive strategies of severe RSV disease. We aimed to develop a model that predicts anticipated mean RSV hospitalization costs of groups of young children at risk for hospitalization, but not yet hospitalized, based on readily available child characteristics.

Methods: We determined real direct medical costs of RSV hospitalization from a societal perspective, using a bottom-up strategy, in 3458 infants and young children hospitalized for severe RSV disease during the RSV seasons 1996-1997 to 1999-2000 in the Southwest of the Netherlands.