Analyzing the Determinants of Women’s First Birth Interval in Bangladesh: An Application of the Log-normal AFT Model

The waiting time to first birth is considered to be an economic empowerment indicator of women in any country. It plays a crucial role in determining population growth, demographic changes, and age structure. It is also linked up with the economic empowerment of women of a country. The main focus of this study is to identify the factors that influence women’s waiting time to first birth after marriage, based on the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data. This research utilizes the log-rank test and log-normal accelerated failure time survival regression model to uncover the association of socio-demographic, cultural, and maternal health-related determinants with the first birth interval among women in Bangladesh. The statistical analysis indicates that region, respondent’s educational level, media exposure, terminated pregnancy, partner’s education, age at first marriage, and spousal age difference exhibit significant association with the women’s first birth interval in Bangladesh. This study is expected to provide guidelines for policymakers and healthcare professionals to address issues concerning family planning, maternal health, population growth, and reproductive health challenges in any country.