Abstract

Background: Inter-pregnancy interval is defined as the time in completed months from the reported date of live birth of the previous child to the self-reported last normal menstrual period.

Study objectives: To assess the duration of inter-pregnancy interval, and to assess the possible predictors associated with the duration of inter-pregnancy interval.

Participants & Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period from 1st March to 1st August 2023. A convenient sample of pregnant women in the reproductive age group (15-49 years) who attended PHCCS in Al-Shaab sector, Baghdad-Alrusafa Health Directorate. Data was collected by direct interviews with the target population, the researcher filled out a structured questionnaire that was adapted from a previous study.

Results: For the 364 study participants (50.5%) were with optimal interpregnancy interval, (41.2) were with short interpregnancy interval. Significant predictors of optimal interpregnancy interval were age at marriage of 20-29 years, middle socioeconomic class, planned pregnancy, contraceptive use, having 2-4 child, good knowledge and encouraging husband about optimal birth spacing.

Conclusion: The predictors of short interpregnancy intervals include marriage at age of 30 years or more, a low socioeconomic index, unplanned pregnancy, having only one live child, not using contraceptive method and poor knowledge about optimal interpregnancy interval