Infertility in Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Fikrewold Haddis, Ethiopian Public Health Association
Daniel Sahleyesus, University of Colorado at Boulder

The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of primary and secondary infertility in Ethiopia using the 2000 and 2005 EDHS. The percentage of childless women after at least 5 years of marriage was considered to have primary infertility. Secondary infertility is determined by the percentage of women with no birth at least 5 years subsequent to a previous birth. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify risk factors of primary and secondary infertility. The prevalence of primary infertility has declined from 4.4% in 2000 to 3.3% in 2005 whereas secondary infertility increased from 4.3% in 2000 to 4.6% in 2005. The prevalence of infertility varies by type of place of residence, marital status, age of respondent and age at first marriage and number of unions. Infertility is higher in urban areas and among women married more than once.