Short Interpregnancy Intervals and Its Consequences: A Call for Utilization of Postpartum Contraception.

Felix C.C. Wekere, Rivers State University
Gift A. Clement-Wekere, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria
kenneth E. Okagua, Rivers State University/Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Ifeoma Nwadiuto, Community Medicine Department, Rivers State University
Priscilia Ogbondah, Community Medicine Department, Rivers State University

Short interpregnancy interval (SIPI) is associated with adverse perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health outcomes. It is one of the major consequences of high unmet need for family planning and of public health importance. Interpregnancy interval describes the duration between birth and the beginning of the next pregnancy. We studied SIPI among pregnant women to determine the prevalence, foeto- maternal outcomes to buttress the need for the utilization of postpartum contraception. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 (Armonk, NY). The prevalences of SIPI <11months and <15months were 48.7% and 51.3% respectively. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 30.7 (3.4),95%CI: 30.0,31.5. SIPI occurred more among primiparous women. Majority 77(98.7%) had 1 previous caesarean section. Preterm birth was 10.5%. Utilization of postpartum contraception has the potential to reduce the rate of SIPI and its complications for improved maternal and child health in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3. Keywords: Short interpregnancy intervals, family planning, Reproductive Health