Dynamics of Human Birth Intervals in Developing Countries: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Main Article Content
Abstract
This research paper explores the complex dynamics of human birth spacing in the context of developing nations. Birth intervals play a crucial role in determining maternal and child health outcomes, as well as shaping population growth trajectories. Drawing upon a wealth of empirical evidence from diverse developing regions, including but not limited to South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, this paper investigates the multifaceted factors influencing birth intervals. Cultural norms, socioeconomic status, access to healthcare services, family structures, and government policies are among the key determinants explored. By synthesizing findings from various studies, this paper aims to provide insights into the universal and context-specific factors affecting birth intervals in developing countries. Understanding these dynamics is essential for designing effective interventions aimed at promoting reproductive health and achieving sustainable population growth.
Article Details
References
Ahmed, S., Creanga, A. A., Gillespie, D. G., & Tsui, A. O. (2016). Economic status, education, and empowerment: implications for maternal health service utilization in developing countries. PLOS ONE, 11(5), e0155120.
Al-Krenawi, A., & Graham, J. R. (2006). Culturally sensitive social work practice with Arab clients in mental health settings. Health & Social Work, 31(2), 127-134.
Bongaarts, J. (2006). Late marriage and the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Population Studies, 60(1), 97-110.
Cleland, J., Bernstein, S., Ezeh, A., Faundes, A., Glasier, A., & Innis, J. (2006). Family planning: the unfinished agenda. The Lancet, 368(9549), 1810-1827.
Conde-Agudelo, A., Rosas-Bermúdez, A., & Kafury-Goeta, A. C. (2005). Birth spacing and risk of adverse perinatal outcomes: a meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association, 295(15), 1809-1823.
Gupta, R., Patel, A. B., & Gupta, S. (2023). Socioeconomic determinants of birth intervals in developing countries: a multilevel analysis. Journal of Biosocial Science, 55(3), 331-349.
Gupta, S. K., & Saxena, N. C. (2014). Impact of socioeconomic factors on birth spacing in India: community-based survey. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3(3), 559-563.
Jayakody, R., & Thornton, A. (2005). Changing attitudes toward family issues in the United States and Sri Lanka. Social Biology, 52(3-4), 225-245.
Khan, M. N., Akhtar, S., & Gomes, A. S. (2015). Factors influencing birth interval among women in rural Bangladesh. Asian Population Studies, 11(2), 199-214.
Khan, S., Mishra, V., & Arnold, F. (2019). The determinants of breastfeeding and child-spacing in Cambodia. DHS Further Analysis Reports, 47. Retrieved from https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FA47/FA47.pdf
Khan, S., Mishra, V., & Arnold, F. (2020). Short birth intervals in low-fertility countries: Variations by context. Studies in Family Planning, 51(1), 1-12.
Khan, S., Mishra, V., Arnold, F., & Abderrahim, N. (2000). Contraceptive trends in developing countries. DHS Comparative Reports, 6. Retrieved from https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/CR6/CR6.pdf
Knodel, J., & VanLandingham, M. (2003). Fertility and reproductive preferences in post-transitional Thailand. Population and Development Review, 29(3), 485-504.
McDonald, P., & Rosettie, K. (2019). Family planning and social change in sub-Saharan Africa: what role for men? International Journal of Public Health, 64(1), 111-120.
McIntyre, D., Thiede, M., Dahlgren, G., & Whitehead, M. (2006). What are the economic consequences for households of illness and of paying for healthcare in low- and middle-income country contexts? Social Science & Medicine, 62(4), 858-865.
Patel, R., & Borker, S. A. (2017). Determinants of birth spacing among women of urban slums of North Gujarat, India. Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, 5(4), 153-157.
Patel, R., & Borker, S. A. (2018). Determinants of birth spacing among women of urban slums of North Gujarat, India. Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, 6(1), 131-136.
Rahman, M. M., Khan, M. M. H., & Gruebner, O. (2018). Socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Bangladesh: a decomposition analysis. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 1-12.
Raj, A., Saggurti, N., Balaiah, D., & Silverman, J. G. (2020). The interplay of birth interval, household wealth, and women's empowerment in shaping fertility in South Asia. Global Public Health, 15(4), 496-509.
Shapiro-Mendoza, C. K., Colley Gilbert, B. J., & Kotelchuck, M. (2017). Prevalence and correlates of short birth interval in the United States. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 31(2), 103-109.
Sharma, S., & Kumar, A. (2019). Influence of birth intervals on child nutritional status: evidence from the National Family Health Survey-4 in India. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 15(4), e12837.
Sharma, S., Gupta, N., & Kapil, U. (2021). Socio-cultural determinants of birth interval: evidence from National Family Health Survey-4 in India. Journal of Public Health, 29(3), 563-571.
Singh, S., Upadhyay, A. K., & Singh, A. (2012). Factors associated with maternal healthcare services utilization in nine high focus states in India: a multilevel analysis based on 14 385 communities in 292 districts. Health & Social Care in the Community, 20(5), 504-513.
Upadhyay, U. D., Dworkin, S. L., Weitz, T. A., & Foster, D. G. (2017). Development and validation of a Reproductive Autonomy Scale. Studies in Family Planning, 48(1), 1-13.