Patterns and determinants of short and long interpregnancy intervals among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a population-based cross-sectional study.

Authors

Ritbano Ahmed Abdo

Published in

BMC pregnancy and childbirth. Jul 15, 2026. Epub Jul 15, 2026.

Abstract

Both short and long interpregnancy intervals have been associated with adverse health effects for mothers and infants. Short interpregnancy intervals (SIPI) are more common in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, while long interpregnancy intervals (LIPI) are less prevalent in these regions. Most research in Ethiopia has focused on short birth intervals. This study addresses both issues in its analysis.
this study aimed to assess the pattern of interpregnancy intervals and determinants of short ([Formula: see text]24 months) and long ( [Formula: see text]60 months) interpregnancy intervals among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2019 Mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS). This analysis included all non-first-time pregnant women interviewed during the EMDHS 2019 who were pregnant at the time of the survey and whose immediately preceding pregnancy had ended in a live birth. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression, accounting for the complex survey design, was employed to estimate adjusted relative risk (aRRR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify determinants of short and long interpregnancy intervals. Statistical significance was determined using 95% CIs. Data analysis was conducted using Stata version 17/MP.
The prevalence of SIPI and LIPI was 39.1% and 15.5%, respectively. Women from poor and middle-income backgrounds exhibited a significantly lower likelihood of experiencing short intervals compared to those from the poorest households. Survival of the index child was also associated with a decreased relative risk of SIPI. Conversely, older maternal age was associated with an increased likelihood of LIPI. Factors such as completing primary education and higher parity were significantly associated with a reduced relative risk of LIPI.
The high prevalence of short interpregnancy intervals in Ethiopia underscores a critical public health concern and highlights persistent gaps in reproductive health optimization. While the cross-sectional nature of the data and wide confidence intervals in certain subgroups warrant cautious interpretation, these findings clearly demonstrate the need for targeted, context-specific interventions. Specifically, strategies must address socioeconomic barriers and expand maternal education. Furthermore, future longitudinal research is essential to more precisely track and understand birth spacing dynamics across diverse communities.

PMID:
42458328
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Jul 2026.

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