Determinants of Preferred Birth Intervals in Developing Countries

Lekha Subaiya, ORC Macro
Shea Rutstein, ORC Macro

Studies have shown the importance of birth spacing for the health of mothers and for that of their children. Preferred birth intervals are a good indicator of women’s current fertility intentions. Using data from the most recent Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal and Peru Demographic and Health Surveys (circa 2000), the study will explore the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with women’s preferred birth intervals. The DHS collects information on the preference for the timing of their next birth for women who want a (another) child. Bivariate and multivariate techniques will be used to analyze the association between the age, education, employment, wealth, empowerment and union status of women and their preferred birth intervals.