Factors Associated with Birth Spacing and Contraceptive Use in Leogane, Haiti

AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstract Abstract

Spacing the inter-pregnancy interval to more than two years reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Modern contraceptive use can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by contributing to birth spacing and reducing the total fertility rate. This study is designed to understand the factors associated with appropriate birth spacing and the barriers to modern contraceptive use in Leogane, Haiti. A cross sectional survey of 552 reproductive age women in Leogane proper was performed from June to July of 2011. Univariate, multivariate, and logisitic regressions were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrate the importance of education, employment status, contraceptive use and stable relationships in influencing appropriate birth spacing. Women who spaced their births tended to have less complications compared to women who did not, however this difference was not statistically significant. Barriers to contraceptive use were cultural factors such as religion, and low socioeconomic status. However, contraceptive use was positively influenced by education and partner acceptance of contraceptives. These findings indicate that family programs focused on educating women and their partners on the benefits of contraception and birth spacing would be successful in Leogane, Haiti.