Trends, patterns, determinants and socio-economic inequality of high-risk fertility behavior (HRFB) among Bangladeshi women: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey

The study analyzed data from 19,060 currently married women aged 15-49 years from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. High-risk fertility was defined as maternal age below 18 or above 34 years, short birth intervals (less than 24 months), or high birth order (4 or more). Overall, 58 percent of women experienced at least one high-risk fertility behavior, with 33 percent having a single and 25 percent having multiple high-risk fertility behaviors. Women who married after age 18, had higher education, were exposed to media, or had educated husbands had significantly lower risk. Higher risk was associated with rural residence, lower household wealth, and certain regions. The study found significant socio-economic inequalities, with high-risk fertility concentrated among women with lower wealth and no education. Targeted interventions focusing on delaying early marriage, improving education for women and their partners, and expanding access to reproductive healthcare are recommended.