Prevalence and factors associated with early childbearing in sub-saharan Africa: evidence from demographic and health surveys of 31 countries

Abstract

Background Early childbearing remains a public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because it has substantial implications for women’s and children’s health and population control. However, little is known about recent changes in early childbearing in the region following the implementation of the Family Planning 2020 initiative (FP2020) national-level interventions. Thus, this study examined factors associated with early childbearing among women in SSA. Methods The study used data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2021. The analysis included a pooled sample of 54,671 parous young women aged 20–24 years. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to examine the association between early childbearing and individual and household-level factors. All analyses were weighted to account for complex survey design. Results The study shows that the mean prevalence of early childbearing was high in SSA at 39% (95% CI: 35, 43). Chad had the highest prevalence of early childbearing, 62% (95% CI: 60, 64) while Rwanda had the lowest prevalence of 13% (95% CI: 11, 15). Completing secondary school (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.62) or attaining tertiary level education (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.45), first sexual debut in the age range 15–24 years (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.16) and desire for a small family size (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.69) were associated with reduced odds of early childbearing among young women in SSA. Conclusion The study has established that the prevalence of early childbearing is high in SSA. Level of education, age at first sexual debut, household size, and desired family size are associated with early childbearing in SSA. Governments of SSA countries should enhance sexual and reproductive health interventions to change reproductive behaviour, particularly in adolescents and young women.

“I want one nurse who is friendly to talk to me properly like a friend”: Learner preferences for HIV and contraceptive service provision in Gauteng, South Africa

“…There is also considerable stigma associated with premarital sexual activity in many South African communities, including being shamed by health care workers and this is linked to low levels of service utilization [ 11 ]. This has led youth into risky sexual behaviour resulting in high STI and HIV prevalence among young people, early pregnancy, and vulnerability to unsafe abortions and delivery complications resulting in high rates of death and disability [ 9 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ].…”

Factors associated with fertility intentions among women living with and without human immunodeficiency virus in Zambia

“…7 , 22 However, it remains the highest in the SSA region. 23 – 26 Although ART has had a positive influence on the quality of life among WLWH in Zambia, 27 , 28 reproductive assistance among these women remains critical to improve child bearing decisions. In resource-constrained settings, identifying factors that influence fertility intentions among WLWH is important for developing strategies and steering appropriate prevention policies that enhance service delivery and reproductive health among this population.…”