BIRTH INTERVAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN IN POSTMENOPAUSAL AGE IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines the interrelationships between birth interval and socioeconomic status of postmenopausal women in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Specifically, two indicators, employment history and social class - were used to measure women's socioeconomic status in relation to birth intervals. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to elicit information using muti-stage sampling technique. The respondents were selected from two local governments per senatorial district in Ekiti State viz;  Ado Ekiti, Efon Alaaye, Ikere, Emure, Oye, and Ilejemeje LGAs, a total of  710 respondents were involved in the study.  Univariate and bivariate statistics analyses were conducted on the quantitative data. The chi-square analysis reveals a significant relationships between birth interval and social class and number of years in paid employment among post-menopausal women. The study documents the significant role of birth interval in women’s sociocioeconomic status in the study location. Consequently, the study suggests several recommendations to improve women's socioeconomic status and address birth interval issues. These include enhancing family planning education, offering flexible employment options, and encouraging spousal support for family planning decisions. Overall, the research underscores the importance of birth interval in understanding women's socioeconomic status and highlights potential avenues for policy intervention to support women's empowerment and reproductive health.   Keywords: birth interval, postmenopausal, socioeconomic status, employment history