Work

Prevalence of short birth interval (SBI) and its determinants in North-Western States of Nigeria: evidence from 2024 NDHS

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Short birth intervals (SBI), defined as intervals of less than 33 months between consecutive live births, are associated with increased risks of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Despite improvements in family planning coverage nationally, the North-Western region of Nigeria continues to experience high fertility and low contraceptive uptake. This study assessed the prevalence of short birth intervals and examined associated sociodemographic factors across the seven North-Western states of Nigeria using recent nationally representative data. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The analysis utilised the Birth Recode (BR) file and included 7,127 eligible births of order two or higher occurring within five years preceding the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of short birth intervals and examine state-level disparities. A three-step multilevel binary logistic regression (Null, Partial, and Full models) was employed to identify factors associated with SBI, accounting for community-level clustering. The overall prevalence of SBI in North-Western Nigeria was 52.2%. The null model revealed significant community-level clustering (ICC = 3.7%; 95% CI: 2.4–6.0). Maternal age was the strongest predictor; compared to adolescents (15–19 years), women aged 30–34 (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.22–0.35) and 35–39 (AOR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.18–0.30) had significantly lower odds of SBI. Economic status was also protective, with births in the richest households having 30% lower odds of SBI (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51–0.97) compared to the poorest. Significant state-level disparities persisted, with the highest odds of SBI observed in Kano (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.21–1.85) and Kebbi (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.09–1.68) relative to Sokoto. Short birth intervals remain highly prevalent in North-Western Nigeria, with substantial state-level variation. The findings underscore the importance of prioritising adolescent reproductive health, reducing economic barriers to family planning, and implementing state-specific, culturally responsive interventions to promote optimal birth spacing and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

Source: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-10107-2

Authors: Jamilu Sani, Ismail Garba Wali, Hajara Muhammad Magaji

Institution: Federal University Birnin Kebbi

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290