Prevalence of short birth interval and associated factors among women, who gave birth in the past three years in Shebedino woreda, sidama region, Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract

Short birth intervals significantly increase the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes like preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal anemia. While optimizing birth spacing is critical for reproductive health interventions, localized and up-to-date epidemiological data from Shebedino Woreda remains scarce. To assess the prevalence of short birth intervals and associated factors among women who gave birth within the past three years in Shebedino Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 30 to August 30, 2023. A sample of 620 multiparous women was selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected via structured interviewer-administered questionnaires using the Open Data Kit and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors. Multicollinearity and model fitness were verified using variance inflation factors and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Out of 620 eligible women, 617 participated (99.5% response rate). The prevalence of short birth intervals was 37.1% [95% CI: 33.3, 41.0]. In the multivariable analysis, the odds of practicing short birth interval were significantly higher among Muslim women (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.18), unable to read and write (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI: 1.01, 15.85), who delivered the index child at home (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.41), No antenatal care (ANC) visit during the pregnancy of the index child (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.25, 4.80), and who did not use modern contraceptives prior to the index pregnancy (AOR = 4.20; 95% CI: 1.71, 10.30). this study demonstrates a high prevalence of short birth intervals (37.1%) among multiparous women in Shebedino Woreda, determined by low maternal literacy, home deliveries, a lack of ANC attendance during pregnancy, and modern contraceptives. Therefore, we strongly recommend that the Sidama Regional Health Bureau deploy a multi-sectorial intervention that integrates culturally tailored family planning counseling within routine ANC and postpartum services, expands structural access to institutional delivery care, prioritizes community-based literacy programs for women, and actively engages Muslim religious leaders to advocate for the health benefits of maternal birth spacing.