Determinants of fertility among adolescents and Youth 15-24 years in Kenya
Abstract
Teenage pregnancies are a major problem not only in Kenya but also in the whole world.
Teenage pregnancies have demographic and health implications. Using data of 3506 of
adolescents and youth 15-24 years from Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 1998,
this study explores factors that influence children ever born among this age group.
The study used cross tabulation and ordinary multiple regression analysis. The results
from analysis suggest that the most significant influence of fertility among adolescents
and youth is age at first birth and age itself. Religiosity is not a factor that influences
children ever born among adolescents and youth 15-24 years.
The analysis among ethnic group indicated that Luo, Luhya and Kalenjin have the highest
number of adolescents with 2 children and more. Education was found to be associated
with children ever born. The study indicates that among women sampled in Kenya
demographic and Health Survey of 1998, 52 % of children were born before their
mothers were 25 years. Mean age at first sex is found to beI5.87, median at 16.00, mode
at 15 while minimum age at first sex is 8 years. ~
Results of this study suggest that it is important to commence family life education before
8 years and intensify it before 15 years when majority of adolescents seem highly
sexually active. Further studies are recommended to determine most appropriate
messages and programs to sustain virginity.
Sponsorhip
The University of NairobiPublisher
PSRI