Birth interval and pregnancy outcome.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to March 1993 at maternity ward of Jimma Hospital to asses the pattern and determinants of birth interval and the role of contraceptive in influencing the length of birth interval. The information was collected by use of pre-tested questionnaire from 415 mothers by three midwives trained for this purpose. The variables examined were: information on parity, use of contraceptive methods during the preceding birth intervals, breast feeding and some demographic variables such as age, martial status, education. Pregnancy outcome variables such as, live births, stillbirths, abortion and infant deaths. Slightly over seventy five per cent of the study subjects were aged 20-29 years, 59% and 27% were para 2-3 and 4-5 respectively. In more than 81% of the subjects, the birth interval was less than three years with a mean birth interval of 22.1 months. Approximately two per cent used contraceptive when the birth interval was 12 months and less. Stillbirth and early neonatal deaths accounted for 3.2% and 6.9% respectively. Based on the findings, we underscore the importance of birth spacing using the available family planning methods to promote safe motherhood and achieve better child survival.