Socio-demographic determinants of adolescent fertility in Zambia

Background: Adolescent fertility is a major health concern because it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality for both the mother and child. In Zambia, the total fertility rate is very high. As a result, adolescent childbearing is also high to an extent that at the age of 19 years 59% of adolescent females have had births. In order to curb these alarming statistics, we need to highlight and understand the varied factors involved. As such, the purpose of this study was to identify the socio-demographic determinants of adolescent fertility in Zambia. Data Source and Methods: The analyses done at three levels were based on a sample of 1,598 which comprised of married and unmarried female adolescents aged 15-19 years extracted from Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, 2007 data set. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify socio-demographic determinants of adolescent fertility. Results: Out of the 1,598 adolescent females, 30 percent of married and 3.7 percent of unmarried adolescents were pregnant. The major factors associated with adolescent fertility were age, age at first marriage, education, marital status, use of contraceptives and access to radio. The odds for increased adolescent fertility were significantly higher among adolescents aged 18-19 years who were married and used contraceptives. Adolescents with primary education, in employment and dwelling in the rural areas had higher likelihood of adolescent fertility than their counterparts. Conclusion: Adolescents getting married have fertility and reproductive health implications. Thus, policies should be put in place to increase the minimum age required for marriage, improve access to contraceptive information and services. Furthermore, family planning programs focusing on adolescents, especially those dwelling in the rural areas are needed to reduce adolescent fertility. In addition, sexually active adolescents should be encouraged to use contraceptives correctly and consistently. Lastly, female adolescents should be encouraged to attain secondary and higher education; this will lower the levels of adolescent fertility