Determinants of Inter-Conception Interval among Southern Jordanian Women

Objective: To determine which socio-demographic factors influence the inter-conception interval in southern Jordan. Methods: A cross sectional study on a sample of 307 Jordanian women was performed. All women were interviewed using several questionnaires providing information on the socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and other health related data. Anthropometric measurements as well as blood pressure were conducted on each case. Results: The low standard of education and occupation of the husband and spouse, low monthly family income, an increased family size, and extended family type were all significantly associated with short inter-conception interval. Attending health education programs on different aspects of maternal and child health care, using proper family planning method and breast feeding were significantly associated with increased length of inter-conception interval. Conclusions: Repeated pregnancies at short intervals are common in the southern region of Jordan, and short inter-conception interval is a multi-dimension problem. Among the suggested methods to prolong inter-conception interval include; increasing the literacy and employment rates of parents to upgrade their economic status, an in-depth health education and social mobilizations in various agencies are still needed to maximize the use of contraception methods, and improving the standards of exclusive breast-feeding practice.