Factors Affecting Adolescent Fertility in India: A Case Study Of North-Eastern States

Adolescents, as a component of the main stream population, affect the socio-economic and demographic features of society. The transitional period between childhood and adulthood is known as adolescence wherein individuals move toward physical and psychological maturity and economic independence, and acquire their adult identity. The North-Eastern states, which comprise of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya is characterized by sharp differences in terms of geographical terrains, dispersed pattern of settlements and social identity. Health is strongly influenced by social variables. To see whether the condition of women is vulnerable in these states, a study is being done to see the factors that affect the adolescent mothers. The main aim of the study is to analyze the differences in adolescent fertility with respect to socio-economic variables and also to study the programmes initiated for the better condition of adolescent mother in India. The analysis of the study deals with married women in order to investigate determinants of teenage motherhood among them.