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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Short birth interval and associated factors among women of child bearing age in northern Ethiopia, 2016

Authors: Solomon Weldemariam Gebrehiwot, Gedamu Abera, Kidist Tesfay, Weyzer Tilahun

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Short birth interval is known to have a negative effect on perinatal, neonatal and child health outcomes. In Ethiopia, 29% of births are short birth intervals at less than 24 months. Even though optimum birth spacing is considered as an essential factor for the health of women and their children, to the best of the authors’ knowledge studies conducted on short birth interval are insufficient to inform policy makers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess short birth interval and associated factors among women of child bearing age in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tselemti district among women of child bearing age from January 28 to February 28, 2016. Systematic sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected through face to face interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Odds ratio along with 95% CI was computed to ascertain association between the outcome and predictor variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered as cut off point to assess significance of associations in the multivariable analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of short birth interval among women of child bearing age was 187 (23.3%). Sub-optimum breastfeeding (AOR = 7.01; 95% CI: 3.64, 13.46), non-use of contraceptive (AOR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.82), being Muslim (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.40) and not having desire to had the last child (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 2.23, 5.91) were factors associated with short birth interval.

Conclusion

Even though currently coverage of family planning use has increased, this study showed that short birth interval is still a concern for Ethiopian women due to factors such as: religion, suboptimum breastfeeding, unwanted pregnancy and non-use of contraceptives. Improving the accessibility and coverage of contraceptive use and involvement of religious leaders in family planning programs are essential strategies to be considered.

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Title: Short birth interval and associated factors among women of child bearing age in northern Ethiopia, 2016
Authors: Solomon Weldemariam Gebrehiwot
Gedamu Abera
Kidist Tesfay
Weyzer Tilahun
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-019-0776-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Short birth interval and associated factors among women of child bearing age in northern Ethiopia, 2016

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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