LEVELS AND CORRELATES OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

African families are undergoing transition from two parent’s family to a one parent family giving rise to the emergence of single mother families, which are associated with negative child outcome. This study intends to examine levels and the factors that are associated with single motherhood in Zimbabwe using the Demographic and Health Surveys of Zimbabwe (2010-2011). A total of 1502 single mothers in Zimbabwe, who have at least one dependent child under the age of 18, will be used as the study population. Statistical analysis will be done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The main model to be used is logistic regression. The findings revealed that contraceptive use, region, age of respondent, religion, wealth index, and marital status are significantly associated with single motherhood. The study will be extended to other Southern African countries: Lesotho and Swaziland.