Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia

Desta Hailu; Teklemariam Gultie; Yinager Workineh

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia

Desta Hailu, Teklemariam Gultie, Yinager Workineh

Published in American Journal of Health Research (Volume 2, Issue 4)

Received: 4 August 2014 Accepted: 15 August 2014 Published: 30 August 2014

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Abstract

Background: Optimal birth spacing plays a critical role in promoting perinatal health. However, in Ethiopia, many women still have shorter birth intervals than they would prefer and studies done to assess knowledge of couples were scarce. The objective of this study therefore was to assess perceived knowledge of couples about the disadvantage of short birth intervals in Arba Minch Zuria district, Ethiopia.Methods: Qualitative study design was conducted from February to April 2014 among women having at least two consecutive live births. Purposive sampling was employed to select information rich participants. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi- structured flexible discussion guide. Sixteen FGDs were conducted involving a total of 128 participants. Data were entered in to open code software and analyzed thematically.Result: Perceived disadvantage of short birth spacing, ultimate decision maker about birth intervals and reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were the major themes emerged from the discussion. knowledge of focus group discussants about the disadvantages of short birth pacing was high. Ultimate decision maker about birth spacing were couples in the optimal spacers groups. On the other hand, husbands had the right to say the final word among discussants that had short birth intervals. Index child being female, husband & religious influences, fear of side effects of contraceptive, lack of information about the benefit contraceptives, and inaccessibility of reproductive health services were noted as reasons to experience short birth spacing.Conclusion: Perceived knowledge of discussants was similarly high in both short and optimal birth spacers. The main reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were, husband influence, fear of side effects of contraceptives, lack of information about the benefits of contraceptives, and geographical inaccessibility of reproductive health care services. For women to achieve optimal birth spacing, they need the support of their significant family members. Hence, behavioral change communications should target all of those who have a direct or indirect influence on birth spacing decisions. Moreover, the district in collaboration with other stallholders needs to work hard to make reproductive health service accessible in all aspects.

Published in	American Journal of Health Research (Volume 2, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24
Page(s)	188-195
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Perceived Advantage, Short Birth Interval, Qualitative Study, Ethiopia

References

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[2]	John C. Family planning: the unfinished agenda. The Lancet Sexual and Reproductive Health Series 2006.Available at: http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/general/lancet_3.pdf.
[3]	World health organization, Department of Making Pregnancy Safer. Technical Consultation report on Birth Spacing. Switzerland: WHO; 2005. Available at: http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/birth_spacing.pdf.
[4]	United States agency for International Development. Strengthening family planning policies and programs in developing countries. USA; USAID.2005.
[5]	World health organizations. Make every mother and child count. Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2005. Available at: http://www.who.int/whr/2005/whr 2005_en.pdf.
[6]	Central Statistical Agency, Ethiopia. Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2011: Central statistical agency report. 2011.
[7]	Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, MOH. Health Sector Development Programme IV 2010/11 – 2014/15. 2010.
[8]	Central Statistical agency, Ethiopia. Population and Housing Census of Ethiopia: Statistical Report for SNNP Region. Addis Ababa: central statistical agency; 2007.
[9]	Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Arba Minch Zuria demographics 2013. Available at:"http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arba_Minch_Zuria&oldid=563667791. Accessed 25 September 2013.
[10]	Gamo Goffa zone. Zonal health office Annual report. Gamo Goffa zone.2013.
[11]	USAID, Catalyst Consortium. Optimal Birth Spacing: An In-depth Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices. Social Planning Analysis and Administration Consultants;USA.2004.
[12]	Nahla A, Sarah L, Amal Z: Helping Egyptian women achieve optimal birth spacing intervals through fostering linkages between family planning and maternal and child health services. Population council; 2008.Available at: http://www.popcouncil.org/pdfs/frontiers/FR_FinalReports/Egypt_OBSI.pdf.
[13]	Social & Rural Research Institute (SRI). Indian focus groups on birth spacing Qualitative Study in India. Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for international Development (USAID).USA.2003.
[14]	Ibrahim S, Hemani A. Pakistan focus groups on birth spacing Qualitative Study in India. Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).USA.2003.
[15]	Khan M.E, Sebastian M.P. Promoting Healthy Timing and Spacing of Births in India through a Community-based Approach. Population frontiers, Reproductive health.USA.2006.
[16]	Yohannes et al.: Duration and determinants of birth interval among women of child bearing age in Southern Ethiopia. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth2011;11:38.
[17]	Began et al.: Determinants of inter birth interval among married women living in rural pastoral communities of southern Ethiopia: a case control study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth201313:116.
[18]	Abddel-fatah M et al. Determinants of birth spacing among Saudi women. Journal of family and community Medicine 2007; 14(3):103-111.

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Desta Hailu, Teklemariam Gultie, Yinager Workineh. (2014). Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia. American Journal of Health Research, 2(4), 188-195. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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ACS Style

Desta Hailu; Teklemariam Gultie; Yinager Workineh. Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia. Am. J. Health Res. 2014, 2(4), 188-195. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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AMA Style

Desta Hailu, Teklemariam Gultie, Yinager Workineh. Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia. Am J Health Res. 2014;2(4):188-195. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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@article{10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24,
  author = {Desta Hailu and Teklemariam Gultie and Yinager Workineh},
  title = {Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia},
  journal = {American Journal of Health Research},
  volume = {2},
  number = {4},
  pages = {188-195},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajhr.20140204.24},
  abstract = {Background: Optimal birth spacing plays a critical role in promoting perinatal health. However, in Ethiopia, many women still have shorter birth intervals than they would prefer and studies done to assess knowledge of couples were scarce. The objective of this study therefore was to assess perceived knowledge of couples about the disadvantage of short birth intervals in Arba Minch Zuria district, Ethiopia.Methods: Qualitative study design was conducted from February to April 2014 among women having at least two consecutive live births. Purposive sampling was employed to select information rich participants. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi- structured flexible discussion guide. Sixteen FGDs were conducted involving a total of 128 participants. Data were entered in to open code software and analyzed thematically.Result: Perceived disadvantage of short birth spacing, ultimate decision maker about birth intervals and reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were the major themes emerged from the discussion. knowledge of focus group discussants about the disadvantages of short birth pacing was high. Ultimate decision maker about birth spacing were couples in the optimal spacers groups. On the other hand, husbands had the right to say the final word among discussants that had short birth intervals. Index child being female, husband & religious influences, fear of side effects of contraceptive, lack of information about the benefit contraceptives, and inaccessibility of reproductive health services were noted as reasons to experience short birth spacing.Conclusion: Perceived knowledge of discussants was similarly high in both short and optimal birth spacers. The main reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were, husband influence, fear of side effects of contraceptives, lack of information about the benefits of contraceptives, and geographical inaccessibility of reproductive health care services. For women to achieve optimal birth spacing, they need the support of their significant family members. Hence, behavioral change communications should target all of those who have a direct or indirect influence on birth spacing decisions. Moreover, the district in collaboration with other stallholders needs to work hard to make reproductive health service accessible in all aspects.},
 year = {2014}
}

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TY - JOUR
T1 - Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia
AU - Desta Hailu
AU - Teklemariam Gultie
AU - Yinager Workineh
Y1 - 2014/08/30
PY - 2014
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24
DO - 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24
T2 - American Journal of Health Research
JF - American Journal of Health Research
JO - American Journal of Health Research
SP - 188
EP - 195
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2330-8796
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24
AB - Background: Optimal birth spacing plays a critical role in promoting perinatal health. However, in Ethiopia, many women still have shorter birth intervals than they would prefer and studies done to assess knowledge of couples were scarce. The objective of this study therefore was to assess perceived knowledge of couples about the disadvantage of short birth intervals in Arba Minch Zuria district, Ethiopia.Methods: Qualitative study design was conducted from February to April 2014 among women having at least two consecutive live births. Purposive sampling was employed to select information rich participants. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi- structured flexible discussion guide. Sixteen FGDs were conducted involving a total of 128 participants. Data were entered in to open code software and analyzed thematically.Result: Perceived disadvantage of short birth spacing, ultimate decision maker about birth intervals and reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were the major themes emerged from the discussion. knowledge of focus group discussants about the disadvantages of short birth pacing was high. Ultimate decision maker about birth spacing were couples in the optimal spacers groups. On the other hand, husbands had the right to say the final word among discussants that had short birth intervals. Index child being female, husband & religious influences, fear of side effects of contraceptive, lack of information about the benefit contraceptives, and inaccessibility of reproductive health services were noted as reasons to experience short birth spacing.Conclusion: Perceived knowledge of discussants was similarly high in both short and optimal birth spacers. The main reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were, husband influence, fear of side effects of contraceptives, lack of information about the benefits of contraceptives, and geographical inaccessibility of reproductive health care services. For women to achieve optimal birth spacing, they need the support of their significant family members. Hence, behavioral change communications should target all of those who have a direct or indirect influence on birth spacing decisions. Moreover, the district in collaboration with other stallholders needs to work hard to make reproductive health service accessible in all aspects.
VL - 2
IS - 4
ER -

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Author Information

Desta Hailu

Departmentof Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Teklemariam Gultie

Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Yinager Workineh

Departmentof Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

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APA Style

Desta Hailu, Teklemariam Gultie, Yinager Workineh. (2014). Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia. American Journal of Health Research, 2(4), 188-195. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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ACS Style

Desta Hailu; Teklemariam Gultie; Yinager Workineh. Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia. Am. J. Health Res. 2014, 2(4), 188-195. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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AMA Style

Desta Hailu, Teklemariam Gultie, Yinager Workineh. Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia. Am J Health Res. 2014;2(4):188-195. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24

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@article{10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24,
  author = {Desta Hailu and Teklemariam Gultie and Yinager Workineh},
  title = {Barriers to Adherence of Optimal Birth Spacing: A Qualitative Study among Mothers and their Husbands in Arba Minch Zuria District, Ethiopia},
  journal = {American Journal of Health Research},
  volume = {2},
  number = {4},
  pages = {188-195},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140204.24},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajhr.20140204.24},
  abstract = {Background: Optimal birth spacing plays a critical role in promoting perinatal health. However, in Ethiopia, many women still have shorter birth intervals than they would prefer and studies done to assess knowledge of couples were scarce. The objective of this study therefore was to assess perceived knowledge of couples about the disadvantage of short birth intervals in Arba Minch Zuria district, Ethiopia.Methods: Qualitative study design was conducted from February to April 2014 among women having at least two consecutive live births. Purposive sampling was employed to select information rich participants. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi- structured flexible discussion guide. Sixteen FGDs were conducted involving a total of 128 participants. Data were entered in to open code software and analyzed thematically.Result: Perceived disadvantage of short birth spacing, ultimate decision maker about birth intervals and reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were the major themes emerged from the discussion. knowledge of focus group discussants about the disadvantages of short birth pacing was high. Ultimate decision maker about birth spacing were couples in the optimal spacers groups. On the other hand, husbands had the right to say the final word among discussants that had short birth intervals. Index child being female, husband & religious influences, fear of side effects of contraceptive, lack of information about the benefit contraceptives, and inaccessibility of reproductive health services were noted as reasons to experience short birth spacing.Conclusion: Perceived knowledge of discussants was similarly high in both short and optimal birth spacers. The main reasons for experiencing short birth spacing were, husband influence, fear of side effects of contraceptives, lack of information about the benefits of contraceptives, and geographical inaccessibility of reproductive health care services. For women to achieve optimal birth spacing, they need the support of their significant family members. Hence, behavioral change communications should target all of those who have a direct or indirect influence on birth spacing decisions. Moreover, the district in collaboration with other stallholders needs to work hard to make reproductive health service accessible in all aspects.},
 year = {2014}
}

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