Abstract:
Introduction: Fertility is an important component of population dynamics which plays a
major role in changing the size and structure of a given population. United Nation
Estimated that Ethiopia remains the second populous country in Africa following Nigeria
and 12th from the world population. Studies addressing determinant factors of fertility are
scarce in the study area. Therefore, this study had filled this gap in Eastern Hararghe zone
of Fedis District.
Objective: To identify the determinants of fertility status among married women in Fedis
district of East Hararghe zone, Oromia regional state, Eastern Ethiopia from March 1 -25,
2018.
Method: A community based unmatched case control study with one to three ratios was
conducted in Fedis district. A total of 699 women were selected randomly from married
women within the age of 25 - 49 years. Structured questionnaire was used for interview.
Data was double entered in to Epidata and SPSS software was used for analysis.
Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors that determine
fertility status at 95% CI and P - Value of 0.05.
Result: Identified determinants of fertility status among married women in the study
were having son at first birth (AOR: 0.62 (P Value: 0.02, CI: 0.4- 0.9)), having history of
abortion (AOR: 1.8 (P Value :0.01, CI :1.1-2.9)), <5 years mortality (AOR: 2.2(P Value
:0.001, CI: 1.3 -3.6)), History of Still birth (AOR: 2.4 (P Value:0.001, CI: 1.4-4.0))
contraceptive use (AOR: 0.15(P Value :0.0001, CI: 0.1-0.2)), husbands who can read and
write (AOR: 0.3( P value: 0.004, CI: 0.14-0.69)), husbands with primary and above
education (AOR: 0.42(P Value: 0.01, CI: 0.21-0.84)),and husband desire for more
children (AOR: 2.4(P Value: 0.01, CI: 1.2 -4.9)).
Conclusion and recommendation: most of the determinant factors related to fertility
status were Maternal and child health related problems in addition to not including
husband in decision making. Therefore all health facilities and other stakeholders in the
district should strengthen family health related services in the district
