Abstract:
Backgraound: The desire for large family size is one of the factors influencing fertility in Ethiopia. Thus,
understanding factors that influence the fertility intentions of women is important for family planning program
purposes and population policy.
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine factors which influence women's intentions to limit child
bearing in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
Methods: The 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey was the data source. A weighted sub-sample of 3300
married women was drawn from the DHS women's dataset.
Results: A greater intention to limit childbearing is associated with older age, larger number of living sons and
daughters, being wealthier, no previous child death, knowledge and use of family planning and exposure to media.
Conclusion: A high proportion of women desired to limit childbearing, but there was a large unmet need for
contraceptives. Thus, improving access to family planning services to women who have achieved their fertility goals
would be important. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(3):28-33]
