Differential patterns and correlates of postpartum amenorrhoea in Bangladesh : a multivariate analysis

Abstract

The importance of postpartum amenorrhoea for reducing fertility is especially pronounced in a developing country like Bangladesh where levels of contraceptive use have until recently remained relatively low. The duration of postpartum amenorrhoea in Bangladesh is among the longest in the world. It is now well established that breast-feeding is the principal determinant of postpartum amenorrhoea and hence the temporary absence of menstruation after birth is called lactational amenorrhoea. The Period of postpartum amenorrhoea is defined as the period between birth to the return of the first ovulating menstrual period, but since ovulation itself is difficult to identify, the closet possible estimate of the end of amenorrhoea is the return of menstruation itself. The purpose of this study is to identify the determinants which may have pronounced effects on the duration of postpartum amenorrhoea and also examine their impact. The importance of the study lies in the fact that this is the first such detailed study using national level data in Bangladesh.