Determinants of short birth intervals among married women: a cross-sectional study in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction Birth spacing is a critical pathway to improving reproductive health. WHO recommends minimum of 33-month interval between two consecutive births reduce maternal, perinatal, infant morbidity and mortality. Our study evaluated factors associated with short birth intervals (SBIs) less than 33 months births, in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods We used data from cross-sectional among married women age (MWRA) who had at least one live the 6 years preceding survey (N=2394). Information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, history, fertility preferences, family planning history 6-year calendar were collected. To identify SBIs, we fitted simple multiple Cox proportional hazards models computed HRs 95% CIs. Results The median was 25 (IQR: 14–39 months), 22.9% (833) occurring within index birth. Women’s increasing (25–30 (aHR 0.63 (0.53 0.75), 30+ 0.29, CI 0.22 0.39) compared 20-24 years; secondary education 0.75, 0.88), intermediate 0.62, 0.48 0.80), higher 0.69, 0.51 0.92) no education, male child 0.81, 0.70 0.94) reduced likelihood SBIs. younger <20 1.24, 1.05 1.24) 20–24 years, those did not use contraception 9 for SBIs succeeding 2.23, 1.93 2.58). Conclusion Study shows that population are lower national average. optimise intervals, programmes should target strategies counsel MWRA on benefits optimal spacing, services contraceptive utilisation.