Use Of Family Planning Research Articles

A random effect model for the determinants of modern family planning use among women of reproductive age in Uganda

Despite the fact that most people are aware of contemporary contraceptives, there is still a significant unmet need for family planning. Therefore, this study evaluated the variables linked to Ugandan women of reproductive age using contemporary contraceptives. Data from a cross-sectional 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey was used in this study. The study employed quantitative approach where descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the respondents and a random intercept model was run. This study found that women of reproductive age used contemporary contraceptives on average at a rate of 27.3% (95% CI: 26.3, 28.3), women aged 25 to 29 made up the largest percentage of users (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.73), while those aged 15 to 19 made up the smallest percentage of users yet it is the most sexually active age bracket. Very few Ugandan women of reproductive age used contemporary contraceptives on a regular basis. This low rate was attributed to a variety of woman, household, and community factors, including age of the mother, education level (mother and husband), employment status of the mother, ever had a pregnancy terminated, access to television, frequency of internet use, possession of a personal phone, last birth being caesarean, wealth quintile, sex of household head, religion, and region, all of which were significantly associated with the use of modern family planning. Therefore, while pushing the shift to the use of contemporary contraceptives, all these issues must be taken into account.

Association between preconception care and family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesInconsistent findings on the associations of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes have not been systematically reviewed in Ethiopia. Thus, this review aims...

Enhancing Healthcare Literacy and Services in South-West Ethiopia: Impact of Social Accountability for Improving the Demand and use of Family Planning and Maternal New-born Child Health Services

The primary objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving healthcare literacy and services through the implementation of Social Accountability (SA) and Community Score Card (CSC) in three districts of the Southwest Ethiopia Peoples’ Region. The study gathered data from randomly selected community members residing in Elhanchano, Teracha Zuria, and Zaba Gazo districts of the Southwest Ethiopia region on two sessions. Quantitative data were analyzed using dependent t-tests, while information collected through interviews was analyzed using a narrative approach. The results indicate a significant positive impact of the interventions on healthcare services across all health centers. Consequently, considering the proven effectiveness of SA/CSC in enhancing healthcare services at primary health care units, it is strongly recommended that both the government and funding organizations continue their support for the implementation of SA/CSC in various sections of the country. This ongoing commitment will ensure that communities consistently receive improved healthcare services at their respective health care units, fostering a sustainable positive impact on the overall health system

The husband’s participation become acceptor in family planning at primary health care Lubuk Buaya’s working area in 2023

The role of the population is as both subject and object of development. In 2022, Indonesia's Human Developmental Index (HDI) was 130th out of 199 countries. The high population and Indonesia's low HDI ranking in the world make the family planning program has been continued to deal with it. The high use of contraceptives among women show the assumption that women are responsible for their reproduction, even though reproduction is a fundamental thing that must be understood and the responsibility of husband and wife. The aim of this research was to obtain in-depth information regarding the factors behind the husband's participation in becoming a family planning acceptor at Primary Health Care Lubuk Buaya’s working area in 2023. The design of this research was qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. This research was conducted in the Lubuk Buaya Community Health Center work area from November 2022 to December 2023. The sampling technique in this research was carried out using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The main informant in this research was the husband. The technique of data collection used such as indepth interviews, onservation and documentation studies. The technique of data analysis were data reduction, categorization, synthesis and developed working hypotheses. The results of this research showed that there were several categories related to the focus of the research, such as perceptions regarding the use of family planning, attitudes towards using family planning, socialization of male family planning, husband’s knowledge about male family planning, and comfort in using male family planning.

"My Mother Persuaded Me to Have More Children", Understanding the Influence of Social Network on Fertility Behavior in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Introduction: Despite the adoption of an antenatal demographic transition model in sub-Saharan Africa, population growth continues to soar in the region. The reasons for population growth are nebulous and should be approached from different perspectives. Inadequate attention has been paid to how social pressures shape reproductive behavior. Thus, this study examines the association between social networks and fertility behavior in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design that employed a qualitative method to conduct 28 in-depth interviews among married women. Data was collected in 2023. Thematic analyses were utilized to interpret the results. Results: Parental pressure, the desire for more children, the desire for male children, values placed on children, norms, and pronatalist culture were associated with high fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusions: Thus, there is a need for more awareness of family planning and contraceptive use in order to reduce fertility in sub-Saharan Africa.

Factors associated with family planning use among refugee and host populations in Adjumani district, West Nile, Uganda: a comparative study

IntroductionUganda currently hosts an estimated 1.5 million refugees. The refugees have challenges in accessing family planning (FP) services in the host country. The study aimed to investigate factors associated with FP use among host and refugee populations in Adjumani district, Uganda.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 in three refugee settlements and their host communities in Adjumani district. A total of 1,310 respondents, (664 refugees and 646 host) were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling and interviewed. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA V.15. Descriptive and Multivariate analysis performed.ResultsWe found that modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) was 30.2% (32.2% for host and 28.2% for refugees). Multivariate analysis showed that women who live singly (AOR = 2.25, 95%, CI: 1.56 -3.84), completed primary education [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.27–2.16], acquired skills [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 2.11–2.47], have the desire for another child [AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.45- 9.60], have stayed in the study area between 3–5 years [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.46–3.42] were statistically significantly associated with FP use among both refugee and host populations. The key barrier to FP use by host was harassment of women and separation/divorce for not consulting the family members. Whereas amongst the refugees, they do not want to use FP methods.ConclusionOur findings revealed low FP use amongst both populations in Adjumani district. The main factors associated with FP use amongst refugee populations included marital status, level of education, type of occupation, and duration of stay in the study area whereas amongst the host is the marital status. Main reasons for not using FP methods included fear of side effects by hosts and not wanting to use FP by refugees. There is need to sensitize both communities about the benefits of FP at community level.

Characterizing Family Planning Utilization in Adult Women and Adolescents in Pohnpei, Federerated States of Micronesia

IntroductionIncreasing family planning xutilization in low-income countries to improve health outcomes of women and children is a global priority. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has poor maternal child health outcomes; therefore, this study aimed to examine family planning utilization in Pohnpei State, FSM.MethodsThis cross-sectional study sought to characterize family planning utilization in adult women of reproductive age and high school age adolescents in Pohnpei using representative survey data collected in 2019 (N = 570 and N = 1726, respectively). Chi-square tests were used to determine significant factors associated with family planning utilization.ResultsAmong adult women of reproductive age (18–49 years old) not trying to get pregnant, 31.6% reported using contraception during last intercourse. Contraceptive use was significantly lower among younger women (18–24 years old) (21.7%, p = 0.021), unmarried women (18.6%, p < 0.001), those without health insurance (28.7%, p = 0.030), those who have never had a pap smear (20.5%, p < 0.001), and those who have never been pregnant (14.5%, p < 0.002). Among adolescents who reported being sexually active, 28.5% reported using any contraception at last intercourse and 22.6% reported using a condom at last intercourse. Condom use among sexually active adolescents was lowest among 12th graders (13.5%, p < 0.001) and girls (16.8%, p = 0.004).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that young, unmarried, never pregnant women face an unmet need for family planning. Additionally, women with lower access to and use of healthcare services have lower use of family planning.

Maternal and household factors affecting the dietary diversity of preschool children in eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveInvestigate the association between the dietary diversity of preschool children and proximate factors including household food insecurity, maternal food choice, preferences, khat use, and levels of depressive symptoms.DesignCross-sectional survey of...

Family planning in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: personal beliefs, intimate partner negotiations and social pressure

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a low prevalence of family planning use. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role that socio-cultural factors play in the decision to use family planning or not. This qualitative study explored barriers to women’s use of family planning methods in an ongoing conflict region, South-Kivu, DRC. Focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews were conducted to understand perceptions and habits regarding family planning. An inductive approach was used to analyse the data. Precariousness of life, religious beliefs and fear of side effects were limiting factors to the use of family planning. Power relations within the couple also played an important role in decision-making. Sole provider (‘breadwinner’) women were more likely to use family planning, including hormonal methods. Our findings highlight the continued importance of family planning programmes that respond to socio-cultural factors, personal beliefs, and fear of side effects in parallel with addressing availability and accessibility. This will require including the community in their design and implementation in order to meet unmet family planning needs. Health care providers’ capacity building and training to help women manage family planning side effects will also be beneficial.

Engaging men in women’s empowerment: impact of a complex gender transformative intervention on household socio-economic and health outcomes in the eastern democratic republic of the Congo using a longitudinal survey

BackgroundIn the Democratic Republic of the Congo, women in (peri-)urban areas are commonly engaged in small trade, which allows them to meet the basic needs of their families. Microsaving approaches are a low-risk option to obtain financing for economic activities. A project combining men’s sensitization on gender equity and women’s empowerment through village savings and loan associations were implemented in North and South Kivu to raise the household economic level.ObjectiveThis study assessed how involving men in gender equity affects women’s health and socio-economic outcomes, including food security.MethodsA cohort study was conducted with 1812 women at the baseline; out of them 1055 were retrieved at the follow-up. Baseline data collection took place from May to December 2017 and the follow-up from July 2018 to January 2019. To identify socio-economic changes and changes of gender relations, linear and logistic regressions were run.ResultsResults showed that the household income improved with intervention (coefficient = 0.327; p = 0.002), while the capacity to pay high bills without contracting debts decreased (coefficient = 0.927; p = 0.001). We did not find enough statistically significant evidence of the influence of the intervention on skilled birth attendance (coefficient = 0.943; p = 0.135), or family planning use (coefficient = 0.216; p = 0.435) nor women’s participation in the decision-making (coefficient = 0.033; p = 0.227) nor on couple’s cohesion (coefficient = 0.024; p = 0.431). Food insecurity levels decreased over time regardless of being in the intervention or control area.ConclusionEmpowering women while sensitizing men on gender aspects improves financial well-being (income). Time, security, and strong politics of government recognizing and framing the approach are still needed to maximize the benefit of such projects on social factors such as women’s participation in decision-making and social cohesion.

Effects of community-based educational video interventions on nutrition, health, and use of health services in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Context Health education using videos has been promoted for its potential to enhance community health by improving social and behavior change communication. Objective To provide stakeholders in maternal and child health with evidence that can inform policies and strategies integrating video education to improve maternal, newborn, and child health. Data sources Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL) were searched on January 28, 2022, and November 10, 2022 (updated search). Quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries on the effects of video-based interventions on nutrition, health, and health service use were eligible. There was no restriction on time or language. Study selection was done in 2 stages and in duplicate. Data extraction A total of 13 710 records were imported to EndNote. Of these, 8226 records were screened by title and abstract using Rayyan, and 76 records were included for full-text evaluation. Results Twenty-nine articles (n = 12 084 participants) were included in this systematic review, and 7 were included in the meta-analysis. Video interventions improved knowledge about newborn care (n = 234; odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.40), colostrum feeding (n = 990; OR, 60.38; 95%CI, 18.25–199.78), continued breastfeeding (BF; n = 1914; OR, 3.79; 95%CI, 1.14–12.64), intention to use family planning (FP) (n = 814; OR, 1.57; 95%CI, 1.10–2.23), and use of FP (n = 864; OR, 6.55; 95%CI, 2.30–18.70). Video interventions did not result in reduced prelacteal feeding or improvement in early initiation of BF. The qualitative studies showed that video interventions were acceptable and feasible, with perceived impacts on communities. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that video interventions improved knowledge of newborn care, colostrum feeding, and continuing BF, and the intention to use FP. Given the high levels of heterogeneity and inconsistency in reporting, more research with stronger designs is recommended. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022292190.

Intimate partner violence influences modern family planning use among married women in Tanzania: cross-sectional study

BackgroundMarried women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to negotiate with their partners on modern family planning (FP) use. This study aimed to determine the influence of intimate partner violence and sociodemographics on modern family planning use.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mara region, Tanzania from April to July 2020. A total of 366 married women were interviewed. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25, and a binary logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of modern FP use. The significance level was set at a p-value less than 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IPV was 73% with 54.1% physical, 36.3% psychological, and 25.4%, sexual violence. The prevalence of modern FP use was 62%, and the most (49.1%) common method practiced by married women was injection (Depo Provera). Physical violence (AOR = 0.32, p = 0.0056), and psychological violence (AOR = 0.22, p = 0.0022) had significantly reduced odds of modern FP use. Religion (AOR = 4.6, p = 0.0085), and availability of preferred modern FP methods (AOR = 9.27, p < 0.0001) had significantly increased odds of modern FP use.ConclusionIn this study, there is a positive association between the use of modern FP methods and IPV. To prevent IPV and its negative health consequences, it is crucial to involve community leaders and primary healthcare workers. They can help in identifying the best strategies to prevent IPV and promote the use of modern FP methods. It is equally important to involve male partners in reproductive health decisions, including the use of modern FP methods. This approach will help reduce reproductive coercion.

Markets, incentives, and health promotion can improve family planning and maternal health practices: a quasi-experimental evaluation of a tech-enabled social franchising and social marketing platform in India

BackgroundImproving family planning and maternal health outcomes are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. While evidence on the effectiveness of government-driven public health programs is extensive, more research is needed on effectiveness of private-sector interventions, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated the impacts of a commercial social-franchising and social-marketing program – Tiko Platform – which created a local ecosystem of health promoters, healthcare providers, pharmacies, stockists/wholesalers, and lifestyle shops. It provided economic incentives through discounts and reward points to nudge health-seeking behaviors from enrolled women consumers/beneficiaries.MethodsAn ex-post facto evaluation was commissioned, and we employed a quasi-experimental design to compare outcomes related to the use of family planning, and antenatal and postnatal services between users and non-users who had registered for Tiko in three North Indian cities. Between March and April 2021, 1514 married women were surveyed, and outcome indicators were constructed based on recall. Despite statistical approaches to control for confounding, the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on Tiko operations and methodological limitations preclude inferring causality or arguing generalizability.ResultsWe found a strong association between the use of the Tiko platform and the current use of temporary modern contraceptives [non-users: 9.5%, effect: +9.4 percentage points (pp), p-value < 0.001], consumption of 100 or more iron-folic-acid tablets during pregnancy [non-users: 25.5%, effect: +14 pp, p-value < 0.001], receiving four or more antenatal check-ups [non-users: 18.3%, effect: +11.3 pp, p-value 0.007], and receiving postnatal check-up within six weeks of birth [non-users: 50.9%, effect: +7.5 pp, p-value 0.091]. No associations were found between the use of the Tiko platform and the current use of any type of contraceptive (temporary, permanent, or rudimentary). Effects were pronounced when a community health worker of the National Health Mission also worked as a health promoter for the Tiko Platform.ConclusionCommercial interventions that harness market-driven approaches of incentives, social marketing, and social franchising improved family planning and maternal health practices through higher utilization of private market providers while maintaining access to government health services. Findings support a unifying approach to public health without separating government versus private services, but more rigorous and generalizable research is needed.Trial registrationNCT05725278 at clinicaltrials.gov (retrospective); 13/02/2023.

Trend and determinants of unmet need for family planning among married women in Ethiopia, evidence from Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2000-2016; multilevel analysis.

Unmet need refers to the gap between women's desires and contraception use to monitor their fertility level. According to the data, unplanned pregnancies are more likely to result in miscarriage and other obstetric difficulties, have poor maternal health care usage, and have a higher risk of having babies who are underweight. Information on the trend of unmet family planning needs in Ethiopia is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the trend and determinants of unmet need for family planning among married or in union women in Ethiopia from 2000 to 2016. Cross-sectional study design from secondary data was performed. Data for the study was obtained from four consecutive Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys 2000 to 2016. The survey employs a nationally representative sample of households using a multistage stratified sampling technique. A descriptive analysis was done to see the trend in unmet need. Multivariable, multilevel logistic regression was performed to assess individual and community-level determinants. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 were used to declare the level of significance. Unmet need declined by 40.2%, from 37.3% to 22.3%, from 2000 to 2016. Rural (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.27-1.59), number of living children > = 5 (AOR = 1.14 (1.04-1.24), age at first marriage > = 18 years (AOR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.09-1.21), knowing at least one method of Family Planning (FP) (AOR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.43-1.72), and no previous use of FP (1.27 (1.20-1.36) were associated with increased unmet need. While women between the ages of 20 and 24 (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.64-0.79), 25-29 (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.55-0.70), 40-44 (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.39-0.50), 45-49 (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.18-0.24), the richest wealth index (AOR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80-0.96. The level of unmet need has decreased significantly in Ethiopia over the past 16 years. Age, educational level, media exposure, number of living children, age at first marriage, parity, previous use of FP, knowledge of FP, wealth index, regional setting, residence (rural), and survey year all have an association with an unmet need for family planning.

Immigrant men 's perceptions and experiences of accompanying their partner for contraceptive counselling provided by midwives in Sweden- a qualitative study.

Male involvement in maternal health care has proven to be beneficial for improving maternal and child health and is often crucial in areas of family planning and contraceptive use. However, compared to male involvement in maternal health care, male involvement in contraceptive counselling is complex and controversial and thus faces certain challenges. Immigrant men in Sweden are often accompanying their partner for contraceptive counselling. Little is known about their presence and role. To explore how immigrant men from the Middle East and Afghanistan perceive and experience accompanying their partner for contraceptive counselling provided by midwives in Sweden. Inductive qualitative content analysis guided the interpretation of data based on 21 individual in-depth interviews. Balancing conflicting values and norms about sexual and reproductive health and rights including family planning was challenging and confusing when living in Sweden. Contraceptive counselling was perceived as a joint visit, and men were often acting as decision makers. The midwife's role as a contraceptive counsellor was perceived as trusted, but knowledge was lacking about the Swedish midwifery model and the Swedish healthcare system. Providers' ways of communicating sensitive information were crucial. Without marriage contraceptive counselling was unthinkable. Highlighting male engagement and including men's sexual and reproductive health at policy levels are necessary for improving women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Additional and new ways of contraceptive counselling and midwifery services, such as outreach work and joint visits, are needed in order to reach both men and women.

DOES PRECONCEPTION TRAINING AFFECT THE AVOIDANCE OF PREGNANCY? THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT: THE CASE OF HOME VISIT

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of preconception training on the avoidance of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with pretest-posttest quasi- experimental design during home visits within the scope of the Butterfly Effect project. The population consisted of women who were aged 18–49 years and were living in villages with high fertility rates in a provincial centre in the Central Black Sea region. The sample was calculated by power analysis and included 100 women. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) Scale. The women in houses selected through simple random method were visited. the personal information form and the DAP were applied to the women as pretest and then the preconception training was provided and the DAP was applied as posttest after this training Findings: The DAP total score was 29.17±13.28 before the training and 27.68±13.05 after the training. A significant difference was found between the DAP total mean scores before and after the training and age, age of the partner, duration of marriage, use of family planning, and previous pregnancy or birth. Moreover, while the presence of living children and the use of family planning were effective on the DAP before the training, the variables of the partner’s age, the use of family planning, and the number of years after which she would like to conceive a child were effective on the DAP after the preconception training. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the women’s desire to avoid pregnancy was moderate. The number of living children and the number of children planned for the family were significant predictors on the desire to avoid pregnancy.

Prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition among under-five children living in slum areas of Bahir Dar Town, Ethiopia.

child malnutrition is one of the most serious and least addressed health problems in the world and in Ethiopia. The prevalence of malnutrition, underweight, and wasting was 44%, 29%, and 10% respectively. The Amhara region has the highest rates of malnutrition at 52%, 33.4%, and 9.9% for children under five. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among children under five living in the slum areas of Bahir Dar City. a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 680 children aged 6-59 months in slum areas of Bahir Dar Town. Study participants were selected using a mass sampling technique and data were collected from April to June 2018 using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Finally, the collected data were coded, entered, cleaned, recorded, and stored, and the data were processed using EPI INFO and exported to the SPSS version 25.0 statistical package. Logistic regression analysis and interpretation were performed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. a total of 680 children participated. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 46.2% (95% CI; 42.5-49.1), 24.3% (95% CI; 21.2-27.6), and 11.3% (95% CI; CI; 9.2-13.9). Income groups included children [AOR=3.476 (95% CI, 1.959-6.167)], male children [AOR=2.586 (95% CI; 1.532-4.365)] and mother's educational level [(AOR=2.600) (1.623) - 4.164)] were significantly associated with malnutrition. the results of this study showed that the prevalence of malnutrition due to stunting and wasting was high among children under five years of age. The gender of the child, the educational level of the mother, and the monthly income of the family were found to be significantly related to malnutrition. Promoting the use of family planning, preventing diarrheal diseases, and vaccinating children through nutrition education programs are important activities to improve the nutritional status of children.

Effect of postpartum family planning intervention and associated factors during child immunization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends postpartum family planning (PPFP) as a critical component of health care that has the potential to save millions of maternal and infant lives in low- and middle-income countries. participants in our randomized, controlled trial were mothers coming for vaccination of their child in three selected health centers in Addis Ababa during the first 10 weeks postpartum. Eligible mothers were randomly assigned to intervention (pamphlet-supported counseling about the benefits of family planning) and non-intervention (routine care) arms. Data were collected when mothers came with their infants for a routine measles vaccination at nine months of life. Family planning (FP) use was compared between the groups using logistic regression, and bivariate and multivariate analyses. The study also used Kaplan Meier and Cox regressions to compare the median time of PPFP use and its correlation using SPSS version 26. The research was undertaken from December 2019 to June 2021. a total of 347 women (177 control, 170 intervention) enrolled in the study. Fifty-eight percent were 24-30 years old. Young age, knowledge about FP, previous use of an FP method, and being married were found to be independent predictors for PPFP use. When comparing intervention and non-intervention groups, there was no significant effect on contraceptive use (adjusted OR 0.633 [95% CI 0.385-1.040]). pamphlet-supported counseling of mothers in the first 10 weeks postpartum did not increase PPFP at nine months postpartum. Successful interventions will likely require holistic strategies, especially in resource-limited settings. The trial had been registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04521517) on September 24, 2019.

Fertility among Northern Nigeria women and associated factors: Negative binomial regression model approach

Objective: The 2020 sustainable development progress report shows that human population growth is a critical barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). There are very few studies on determinants of fertility particularly looking at the northern part of Nigeria that has a relatively high fertility level compared with the southern part of the country. This study therefore is aimed at identifying the factors associated with fertility among women in northern Nigeria. Methods: The data for this study was from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018. The number of children ever born by women aged 15 – 49 years and other variables who lived in Northern Nigeria were extracted and analyzed using Negative Binomial Regression, where the level of significance was 0.05. Results: There were variations in factors associated with fertility among the geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Age of the respondents, sex of household head, wealth index, religion, ethnicity, use of family planning (FP) method, and child death experience were among the factors associated with fertility. Women with no/lower education, early marriage, being Muslim and Hausa/Fulani ethnic background experienced high fertility (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Attention to the factors mentioned above and intervention programmes designed to reduce fertility are indispensable. Education of female children should be given extra attention as this will empower them to be more informed. Hence, achieving SDGs will become a reality.

Children Ever Born and its Associated Factors of Women in Tansen Municipality of Palpa District Nepal

Background: Fertility refers to a couple’s, individuals, groups or population’s ability to bear children. It primarily affects women in the reproductive age range of 15 to 49 years. Fertility is one of the most important factors influencing population change in practically all countries. This study is aimed to determine the socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence fertility in women in Tansen Municipality. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 married women of Tansen municipality using primary. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. In descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution, pie-chart, bar-diagram, and cross-tabulation tools were utilized, while inferential statistics used chi-square test and t-test. Results: The average age of respondent is 29 years with standard deviation 3.72 years. The average age of respondent whose Children ever born (CEB) is less than two (28.61±3.55) is statistically lower than that of having more than two CEB (32.44±4.63), (p-value=0.003). Education (P-value=0.007), and contraceptive/family planning knowledge (p-value=0.041) are factors that contribute to the decreased the number of children ever born to women. The longer duration of age contributes significantly to the rise in CEB. Women with a higher level of education appear to have a key role in reducing the number of CEB. The result of the study shows that the women having high level of knowledge about family planning and contraception use decreases the CEB of the women.Conclusions: Findings show that age, education, and contraceptive/family planning knowledge are all factors that contribute to the increased number of children ever born to women.