Existing demand for birth spacing in developing countries: perspectives from household survey data

Objective: To identify the extent of demand for birth spacing, according to age and parity among married women of reproductive age (MWRA) in developing countries. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) using cross-tabulations. Data collected from nationally representative samples of MWRA in selected developing countries between 1990 and 2004. Results: Demand for birth spacing is the most prevalent reason for an interest in family planning among married women aged 15-29 years in the majority of developing countries examined. In the 15-19-year age cohort, the demand for spacing is proportionally the most prevalent reason for a demand for family planning. A demand for spacing even exists among young, zero-parity married women in each country examined. Findings on the demand for spacing among zero-parity married women quantifies the expressed desire of some married women in developing countries to postpone a first birth or the timing of a first pregnancy. Conclusion: The substantial demand for birth spacing among young, low- and zero-parity women suggests that family planning programs in developing countries may need to reevaluate how accessible services are for this cohort of potential contraception users. Currently, many service-delivery protocols, counseling practices and service provider training may not fully address the needs of younger, low- or zero-parity clients. (c) 2004 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.