Theses (MSc. Public Health)

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine average birth interval and factors influencing birth interval in Chandina, Comilla, Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study among 128 rural women was conducted in Chandina, Comilla, Bangladesh during the study period of two weeks in March 2015. A simple random sampling was carried out and those who met the inclusion criteria were selected for this study. The study was carried out as a house to house survey of all households in two selected villages using an interview schedule in Bangla. The interview schedule consisted of three parts. Part one consisted of a questionnaire for collecting information on socio-demographic information of the respondents. Part two consisted of a questions on behavioural factors, and part three on health literacy The data was obtained through interview of married women of all child-bearing age (eligible women) in the surveyed households. Results: The present study found that the mean duration of birth interval 46.5 ± 19.47 months and median birth interval between two successive live births is 48 months. The prevalence of inadequate birth interval of less than 36 months in the sample population iv is 21.9%. The factor which is significantly associated in univariate analysis is respondents’ education. Conclusion:The findings of this study showed that the average length of birth interval was 46.5 months. The prevalence of inadequate birth interval of less than 36 months among rural women in Chandina, Comilla, Bangladesh was 21.9%. Multivariate results revealed that none of the factors are significant with birth interval. Educated women have adequate knowledge on family planning practice. Thus, it reduces the mother and child mortality. Therefore, education plays an important role. Key words: Factors, Birth interval, Rural women, Chandina, Bangladesh.