Child spacing and two child policy in practice in rural Vietnam: cross sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the reproductive pattern of women in rural Vietnam in relation to the existing family planning policies and laws.

DESIGN

Cross sectional survey with question-naires on reproductive history.

SETTING

Tien Hai, a district in Red River Delta area, where the population density is one of the highest in Vietnam.

SUBJECTS

1132 women who had at least one child under 5 years of age in April 1992.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Birth spacing and probability of having a third child.

RESULTS

The mean age at first birth was 22.2 years. The average spacing between the first and the second child was 2.6 years. Mothers with a lower educational level, farmers, and women belonging to the Catholic religion had shorter spacing between the first and second child and also a higher probability of having a third child. In addition, women who had no sons or who had lost a previous child were more likely to have a third child.

CONCLUSION

Most families do not adhere to the official family planning policy, which was introduced in 1988, stipulating that each couple should have a maximum of two children with 3-5 years' spacing in between. More consideration should be given to family planning needs and perceptions of the population, supporting the woman to be in control of her fertility. This may imply improved contraceptive services and better consideration of sex issues and cultural differences as well as improved social support for elderly people.