Magnitude and Factors Associated With Short Birth Intervals Among Reproductive‐Age Women in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Short birth interval is defined as an interval of less than 33 months between two consecutive live births. It affects maternal, perinatal, neonatal outcomes, and infant development. Thus, this study aimed to identify the associated factors of short birth interval among reproductive‐age women in the Awi zone. Methods A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1144 reproductive‐aged women from February to June 2023 using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured and pretested questionnaires. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.0.2 and exported to STATA 18 for further analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. In the multivariable logistic regression, adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to identify factors significantly associated with short birth intervals. Results The prevalence of short birth interval was 29.20% (95% CI: 26.63, 31.90%). Primary educated hasband/parent [AOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.91; p = 0.021], use of contraceptive [AOR = 0.04; 95% CI:0.02, 0.06; p < 0.001], rural resident [AOR = 2.03; 95% CI:1.10, 3.76; p = 0.023], rich wealth index [AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.86; p = 0.016], above 18 years old at first marriage [AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.94; p = 0.025], greater than 24 months breastfeeding [AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.71; p < 0.001], and six and more ideal number of children [AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.22; p = 0.002] were associated factors of short birth interval. Conclusion In the Awi zone, the prevalence of short birth interval is still high. Therefore, policy makers and stakeholders strengthening family planning services, promoting optimal breastfeeding practices, delaying early marriage, improving women's education, and socioeconomic status are essential to encourage optimum birth interval. Furthermore, targeted community‐based interventions, particularly in rural areas, are recommended to reduce short birth intervals.