Factors Influencing Women's Intention to Limit Child Bearing in Oromia, Ethiopia

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]