Birth Spacing and Parity Progression in Nigeria

Christiana A. Alex-Ojei, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
KAZEEM SUNMOLA, Ekiti state University, Ado-ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria.

High fertility and close birth spacing are associated with poorer child and maternal health outcomes, reduced quality of care for older siblings, and high completed fertility rates. We examined parity progression among Nigerian women, as well as the prevalence of, and factors influencing birth spacing in Nigeria between 2008 and 2018. Data from the 2008-2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys were used. Parity progression ratios and logistic regressions were conducted. We found a high probability of progressing to higher parities, differing by educational level, wealth status and ethnicity. PPRs reduced with increasing education and wealth status, while the highest PPRs were found among Hausa/Fulani and minority tribe women. We also conclude that birth interval length among women aged 15-49 are associated with women’s age, education, wealth status, marital status, religion, age at first cohabitation, son preference, daughter preference, number of children ever born, contraceptive use, breastfeeding duration, and child survival.