Determinants of inter-pregnancy interval in Ogbomoso: an unmet need for contraceptive usage

Abstract

Background: Worldwide maternal mortality has witnessed a significant reduction in the last 2 decades and this has partly been due to the increase contraceptive use and with consequent reduction in inter-pregnancy interval. The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing inter-pregnancy intervals among pregnant women attending antenatal care and their contraception needs Methods: A cross-sectional study on pregnant women with at least one previous delivery attending antenatal clinic of a Teaching Hospital using a structured questionnaire Results: The mean±SD age of the respondents was 27.4±0.6 (20-44) years. The majority (76%) were multiparous. Vaginal delivery (91%) and live birth (86.9%) were reported in the last pregnancy. Most respondent 64.4% had their last confinement more than 2years. Marital status (p<0.05), educational status (p=0.003), average income per month (p=0.003), parity (p=0.02), outcome of previous pregnancy (p=0.01), mode of delivery (p=0.001) and duration of breastfeeding (p=0.001) were factors which showed significant association with inter-pregnancy interval. Awareness of modern contraceptive methods was reported by 65.4%, with 60% and 32.6% wanting to resume contraceptive use immediately and within 6-12months of delivery respectively. Conclusions: The study showed inter-pregnancy interval of twenty-four months. Obstetric and socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with inter-pregnancy interval. Effective health information and reproductive education would encourage effective contraception uptake and better maternal and baby outcome.