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Neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly, are the second most common birth defects with an incidence in Italy of 0.4–1/1,000. Information on factors playing a role in the pathogenesis of spina bifida is based on populations with different exposures, lifestyle, social and cultural habits compared to Italian people. Our objective was to fill this gap by using data from a case–control interview study carried out at the G. Gaslini Children’s Hospital, Genoa, from 2000 to 2008.

We surveyed questionnaires from 133 case mothers and 273 control women providing information on periconceptional risk factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate risks by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Univariate results suggest that birth …