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Existing demand for birth spacing in developing countries: perspectives from household survey data
1Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA. wjansen@usaid.gov
Summary
Demand for birth spacing is high among young married women in developing countries, including those with no children. Family planning programs should improve accessibility for these women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Demography
- Family planning
Background:
- Understanding demand for birth spacing is crucial for effective family planning programs.
- Married women of reproductive age (MWRA) in developing countries have diverse needs regarding birth spacing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the extent of demand for birth spacing.
- To analyze this demand by age and parity among MWRA in developing countries.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data.
- Utilized cross-tabulations on data from 1990-2004.
- Included nationally representative samples of MWRA from selected developing countries.
Main Results:
- Birth spacing is the primary reason for family planning interest among women aged 15-29 in most developing countries.
- The 15-19 age group shows the highest proportional demand for spacing.
- Demand for spacing exists even among young, zero-parity women, indicating a desire to postpone first births or pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Significant demand for birth spacing among young, low- and zero-parity women necessitates program reevaluation.
- Family planning services may not adequately address the needs of younger, nulliparous clients.
- Accessibility and training for service providers need enhancement for this demographic.