ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Tariku L*
Background: Reducing deaths of newborn and children under 5 years of age became an agenda. The effect of preceding birth interval on child mortality was evidenced by different findings. The objective of this study was assessing the effects of preceding birth interval on child mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The study participants were 8460 non-first births in the 5 years before the 2016 EDHS (Ethiopian demographic health survey). Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to assess the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio at 95 % CI was computed to assess the strength of association between dependent and independent variables. Variables with P-value < 0.05 in multivariate analysis was used to declare significance of association. Result: Child whose proceeding birth interval was less than 18 months (AOR= 2.769; CI 95 %( 1.956, 3.921)) and child whose preceding birth interval was between 18 and 23 months (AOR=1.500; 95 % CI (1.038, 2.168)) were more likely to die than child with birth interval of 60 months and above. Child whose preceding birth interval was between 36 and 47 months (AOR=0.663, 95 % CI (.446, .986)) was less likely to die than child with birth interval of 60 months and above. Conclusion: The preceding birth interval and child mortality was significantly associated. Child whose preceding birth interval less than 18 months, and 18 to 23 months were more likely to die than child with birth interval of 60 months and above. Child whose preceding birth interval was between 36 and 47 months was less likely than to die than child with birth interval of 60 months. Health education on effect of short preceding birth interval should be given by health workers. Promotion of family planning should be strengthened at all levels.
Keywords: Interval; Preceding Birth; Child Mortality
