Abstract
ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY AND FERTILITY
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest levels of teenage pregnancies in the world. In spite of that, there is paucity of empirical research on causes of teenage pregnancies in African countries. This paper investigates the determinants of teenage pregnancies based on a case study of Busia District in Kenya. The data are from a household survey conducted in 1998/1999. Empirical results indicate that girls’ education level has significant influence on the probability of teenage birth, with non-schooling adolescents and those with primary school level education being more vulnerable. Among the variables used as proxies for access to sex education, availability of church forums that educate adolescents about sex and family life issues reduce probability of teenage pregnancy. Age is positively related to teenage pregnancies, with older adolescents being more predisposed to pregnancies.
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest levels of teenage pregnancies in the world. In spite of that, there is paucity of empirical research on causes of teenage pregnancies in African countries. This paper investigates the determinants of teenage pregnancies based on a case study of Busia District in Kenya. The data are from a household survey conducted in 1998/1999. Empirical results indicate that girls’ education level has significant influence on the probability of teenage birth, with non-schooling adolescents and those with primary school level education being more vulnerable. Among the variables used as proxies for access to sex education, availability of church forums that educate adolescents about sex and family life issues reduce probability of teenage pregnancy. Age is positively related to teenage pregnancies, with older adolescents being more predisposed to pregnancies.
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Event ID
17
Session 2
Paper presenter
53 263
Language (Translated)
fr
Title (Translated)
Grossesses adolescentes et fécondité : 09-06
Abstract (Translated)
L’Afrique subsaharienne possède un taux de grossesses adolescentes parmi les plus élevés du monde. Cependant, il existe peu d’études empiriques sur la cause de ces grossesses adolescentes dans les pays africains. Cette étude examine les déterminants des grossesses adolescentes à partir de l’étude de cas portant sur la région de Busia au Kenya. Les données sont tirées d’une enquête “Ménages” menée en 1998/1999. Les résultats empiriques indiquent que le niveau d’éducation des filles joue un rôle significatif sur la probabilité des grossesses adolescentes, les adolescentes non scolarisées ou n’ayant pas dépassé un niveau d’études primaire étant les plus vulnérables. Parmi les variables utilisées comme substituts d’accès à une éducation sexuelle, l’existence de forums religieux visant à informer les adolescents sur les questions sexuelles et familiales réduit les risques de grossesses adolescentes. L’âge est positivement associé aux grossesses adolescentes, les adolescentes plus âgées étant davantage susceptibles de se retrouver enceintes.
Status (Translated)
2
Type of Submissions
Regular session presentation, if not selected I agree to present my paper as a poster
Language of Presentation
English
Initial First Choice
Initial Second Choice
Weight in Programme
1 000
Status in Programme
1