Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: July | Volume: 13 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 321-331
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230744
Determinants of Short Birth Intervals in Northern and Southern Nigeria: Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey Data
Anthony Ike Wegbom1, Clement Kevin Edet2, Benjamin Osarolaka Osaro2, Aleruchi Lenchi Oji3, Chinemere Onyema3, Gentle Kitoye Samuel4
1Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt 500262, Nigeria.
2Department of Community Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt 500262, Nigeria.
3Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt 500262, Nigeria.
4Department of Human Kinetics Health and Safety Studies. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt 500102, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Anthony Ike Wegbom
ABSTRACT
A Short birth interval (SBI) is a reproductive and public health problem in Nigeria and other developing nations. This is because of its adverse effects on mothers and their children. SBI might differ in Northern and Southern Nigeria due to variations in the socio-demographic construct and socio-cultural practices. The adolescent birth and total fertility rates are higher in the North than in the South. Also, early childbearing is higher in the North than in the South. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude and determinants of SBI in Northern and Southern Nigeria. This study utilized the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2018 NDHS). Statistical analyses were descriptive analysis and binary logistic models. The association between outcome and predictors was estimated using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of SBI Northern Nigeria was 20.6% (95% CI=19.8% - 22.1%), while that of the Southern region was 20.5% (95% CI= 19.2% - 21.9%). After controlling for other factors, the age of women, religion, education level, marital status, employment status and the number of children ever born were significantly associated with SBI in northern and southern Nigeria, whereas the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits was only significant in Northern Nigeria. There was no regional inequality in short birth interval between southern and northern Nigeria as regards the prevalence and factors. We recommend that public health professionals should involve religious leaders in their deliberations and campaign for modern contraception. Also, exclusive breastfeeding should be encouraged as a natural spacer among mothers across the two regions in the first few months of delivery for their health and that of the children. The use of local means of communication in communities without access to modern means of communication like television and radio should also be encouraged. Women in the northern region will benefit from health education related to antenatal care.
Key words: Birth interval; determinants; regional inequalities; women of reproductive age; Nigeria