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Naz L, Siddiqui UA, Sriram S. Examining contraceptive utilization behavior in Pakistani women. Reprod Health 2024; 21:100. [PMID: 38961450 PMCID: PMC11221118 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a dearth of research examining the couple characteristics in determining contractive utilization behavior in developing countries. This study fills the gap by analyzing the roles of women's intra-household bargaining power and spousal age differentials in predicting contraceptive utilization behavior in Pakistani women. METHODS A sample of 13,331, excluding pregnant and sexually inactive married women aged 15-49, was extracted from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18. The dataset is cross-sectional. Exploratory analysis was used to examine the pattern of contraceptive knowledge, types of contraceptive utilization, and intention to use contraceptives among women. Furthermore, binary regressions were employed to examine the association of women's intrahousehold bargaining power and spousal age difference with contraceptive utilization without and after accounting for all potential covariates. RESULTS Only 33% of women use contraceptives, while 30% express an intention to use contraceptives in the future. Almost all women (98%) knew about modern contraceptives. Compared to same-age couples, higher odds of current contraceptive use are observed among women whose husbands are at least 20 years older than them or whose husbands are young to them. The odds of the intention to use contraceptives tend to increase with the increase in spousal age difference. Women's intra-household bargaining is a significant predictor of current contraceptive utilization and intention to use contraceptives. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of considering the couple's characteristics in reproductive healthcare programming and policies. RECOMMENDATION Greater women's intra-household bargaining power and smaller spousal age differences are associated with higher contraceptive usage. Empowering women and promoting their decision-making authority within households can enhance reproductive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Naz
- School of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), 75270 University Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Umema Amin Siddiqui
- School of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), 75270 University Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shyamkumar Sriram
- Department of Social and Public Health, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
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Okyere J, Dadzie LK, Agbaglo E, Arthur-Holmes F, Aboagye RG, Seidu AA, Ahinkorah BO. Women's Sexual Autonomy and Short Birth Interval in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multilevel Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey Data. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:413-422. [PMID: 37903958 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02713-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Sexual autonomy is an inalienable human right to protect and maintain an informed decision over one's body, sexuality, and sexual experience. With the increased attention to women's empowerment and gender equality all over the world, it is surprising that previous research has overlooked the relationship between women's sexual autonomy and short birth intervals. This study examined the association between women's sexual autonomy and short birth intervals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data were sourced from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 29 sub-Saharan African countries conducted from 2010 to 2019. A total of 222,940 women were included in this study. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between sexual autonomy and short birth interval. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and significance level was set at p < .05. The overall proportions of sexual autonomy and short birth interval among women in SSA were 75.1% and 13.3%, respectively. Women who reported having sexual autonomy had lower odds of short birth interval [aOR = 0.94; CI = 0.91, 0.96]. The likelihood of short birth interval among women increased with increasing maternal and partner's age but reduced with increasing level of education and wealth index. Given that short birth intervals could have negative maternal and child health outcomes, public health authorities in sub-Saharan African countries should endeavor to promote health interventions and social programs to empower women with low sexual autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Louis Kobina Dadzie
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Agbaglo
- Department of English and Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Francis Arthur-Holmes
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, 8 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - Richard Gyan Aboagye
- Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- REMS Consultancy Services, Sekondi-Takoradi, Western region, Ghana
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Gelagay AA, Worku AG, Bashah DT, Tebeje NB, Gebrie MH, Yeshita HY, Cherkose EA, Ayana BA, Lakew AM, Asmamaw DB, Negash WD, Belachew TB, Fentie EA, Bitew DA. Factors affecting birth interval among mothers in Dabat district, Amhara Regional state, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study, 2022. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17046. [PMID: 37484230 PMCID: PMC10361109 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Birth interval is the time period from live birth to a successive pregnancy or successive live birth which is the recommended to be at least 2 years or at least 33 months respectively. Both short and long birth intervals are associated with poor health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the length of birth intervals and its predictors among reproductive-age women in Dabat district.Methods: community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021. This study was done on 1262 multi para women. Five days training was given for the data collectors and supervisors. Bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis were done. Those variables which had P-value less than 0.25 in the bi variable analysis were entered to multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05 was used to determine significant determinants of birth interval. Result This study revealed that the magnitude of short and long birth interval was 30.59% and 22.82% respectively. Wealth status (poor: AOR = 0.72, CI: 0.53, 0.97), maternal education (Diploma and above: AOR = 2.79, CI: 1.18, 6.56), ANC follow up (having ante natal care: AOR = 2.15, CI: 1.72, 2.69), husband occupation (Employed: AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.03, 3.01) and history of abortion (abortion: AOR = 2.48, CI: 1.08, 5.66) were statistically significant factors. Conclusion Higher percentage of mothers have either short or long birth interval. Birth interval is affected by socio demographic characteristics of mothers and husbands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebaw Addis Gelagay
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Gebeyehu Worku
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Debrework Tesgera Bashah
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nigusie Birhan Tebeje
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mignote Hailu Gebrie
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hedija Yenus Yeshita
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Endeshaw Adimasu Cherkose
- School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Abera Ayana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zewuditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Molla Lakew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Desale Bihonegn Asmamaw
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubshet Debebe Negash
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Biresaw Belachew
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Elsa Awoke Fentie
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Anmut Bitew
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Abstract
Short Birth Interval (SBI) is one of the main causes of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. A 33-month birth-to-birth interval between two successive live births should be followed to minimize the risk of adverse maternal and child health. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of SBI and the associated factors in rural India. Information on 98,522 rural mothers from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey data was analyzed. Bivariate statistics, logistic regression, Moran's I, and Cluster and Outlier Analysis have been used to assess the prevalence and spatial pattern of SBI in rural India. Results revealed that about half of the mothers in rural India had experienced SBI. Rural Indian mothers whose child was not alive (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.63-1.90), were not using any contraceptive methods (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI = 1.37-1.48) and not breastfeeding (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 2.50-2.97) were more likely to experience SBI. On the other hand, rural mothers from the middle, richer and richest wealth quintiles (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86-0.97; OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.80-0.92; OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.55-0.66) and of age over 30 years (OR = 0.38., 95% CI = 0.36-0.39) were less likely to experience SBI. Analysis of spatial patterns revealed clear east-west differences in the prevalence of SBI. There was strong clustering of high values of SBI in most districts across the central, northern, western, and southern regions. The study suggests the need to introduce appropriate interventions and programs focused on reducing the prevalence of SBI in rural India.
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Ram R, Kumar M, Kumari N. Association between women's autonomy and unintended pregnancy in India. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Nausheen S, Bhura M, Hackett K, Hussain I, Shaikh Z, Rizvi A, Ansari U, Canning D, Shah I, Soofi S. Determinants of short birth intervals among married women: a cross-sectional study in Karachi, Pakistan. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e043786. [PMID: 33903142 PMCID: PMC8076934 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Birth spacing is a critical pathway to improving reproductive health. WHO recommends a minimum of 33-month interval between two consecutive births to reduce maternal, perinatal, infant morbidity and mortality. Our study evaluated factors associated with short birth intervals (SBIs) of less than 33 months between two consecutive births, in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS We used data from a cross-sectional study among married women of reproductive age (MWRA) who had at least one live birth in the 6 years preceding the survey (N=2394). Information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, fertility preferences, family planning history and a 6-year reproductive calendar were collected. To identify factors associated with SBIs, we fitted simple and multiple Cox proportional hazards models and computed HRs with their 95% CIs. RESULTS The median birth interval was 25 months (IQR: 14-39 months), with 22.9% (833) of births occurring within 33 months of the index birth. Women's increasing age (25-30 years (aHR 0.63 (0.53 to 0.75), 30+ years (aHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.39) compared with 20-24 years; secondary education (aHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.88), intermediate education (aHR 0.62, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.80), higher education (aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.92) compared with no education, and a male child of the index birth (aHR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.94) reduced the likelihood of SBIs. Women's younger age <20 years (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.24) compared with 20-24 years, and those who did not use contraception within 9 months of the index birth had a higher likelihood for SBIs for succeeding birth compared with those who used contraception (aHR 2.23, 95% CI 1.93 to 2.58). CONCLUSION Study shows that birth intervals in the study population are lower than the national average. To optimise birth intervals, programmes should target child spacing strategies and counsel MWRA on the benefits of optimal birth spacing, family planning services and contraceptive utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidrah Nausheen
- Obstetrics & Genecology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maria Bhura
- Center of Excellence in Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kristy Hackett
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Imtiaz Hussain
- Pediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Shaikh
- Center of Excellence & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Arjumand Rizvi
- Pediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Uzair Ansari
- Pediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - David Canning
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Iqbal Shah
- Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sajid Soofi
- Pediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Afulani PA, Altman M, Musana J, Sudhinaraset M. Conceptualizing pathways linking women's empowerment and prematurity in developing countries. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:338. [PMID: 29143627 PMCID: PMC5688445 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1502-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. Many efforts have focused on clinical approaches to improve the survival of premature babies. There is a need, however, to explore psychosocial, sociocultural, economic, and other factors as potential mechanisms to reduce the burden of prematurity. Women's empowerment may be a catalyst for moving the needle in this direction. The goal of this paper is to examine links between women's empowerment and prematurity in developing settings. We propose a conceptual model that shows pathways by which women's empowerment can affect prematurity and review and summarize the literature supporting the relationships we posit. We also suggest future directions for research on women's empowerment and prematurity. METHODS The key words we used for empowerment in the search were "empowerment," "women's status," "autonomy," and "decision-making," and for prematurity we used "preterm," "premature," and "prematurity." We did not use date, language, and regional restrictions. The search was done in PubMed, Population Information Online (POPLINE), and Web of Science. We selected intervening factors-factors that could potentially mediate the relationship between empowerment and prematurity-based on reviews of the risk factors and interventions to address prematurity and the determinants of those factors. RESULTS There is limited evidence supporting a direct link between women's empowerment and prematurity. However, there is evidence linking several dimensions of empowerment to factors known to be associated with prematurity and outcomes for premature babies. Our review of the literature shows that women's empowerment may reduce prematurity by (1) preventing early marriage and promoting family planning, which will delay age at first pregnancy and increase interpregnancy intervals; (2) improving women's nutritional status; (3) reducing domestic violence and other stressors to improve psychological health; and (4) improving access to and receipt of recommended health services during pregnancy and delivery to help prevent prematurity and improve survival of premature babies. CONCLUSIONS Women's empowerment is an important distal factor that affects prematurity through several intervening factors. Improving women's empowerment will help prevent prematurity and improve survival of preterm babies. Research to empirically show the links between women's empowerment and prematurity is however needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience A. Afulani
- Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA USA
- UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Molly Altman
- Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA USA
- UCSF School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Joseph Musana
- Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA USA
- UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA USA
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Khraif RM, Salam AA, Al-Mutairi A, Elsegaey I, Al Jumaah A. Education’s impact on fertility: The case of King Saud University Women, Riyadh. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Vlassoff C, Rao S, Vishnu Lale S. Can conditional cash transfers promote delayed childbearing? Evidence from the ‘Second Honeymoon Package’ in rural Maharashtra, India. ASIAN POPULATION STUDIES 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/17441730.2016.1258816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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