Age at first birth and age at first marriage:A study of adolescent fertility in Kenya

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the relationship between the event of first birth and first marriage among a sample of adolescent women in Kenya. The study used data from the Kenya Fertility Survey which is a component of the World Fertility Survey. The event of first birth was examined in the context of age at first pregnancy/ birth in relation to age at first marriage. First marriage was examined in its relationship to marital stability, first birth and total fertility. Chapter one dwelt on adolescent fertility as a population problem which justifies research and 7 analysis in this country. By giving the conceptual framework of the issue, the researcher hoped to bring out the extent and gravity of adolescent fertility in the world. The significance of the study and its limits were also clarified. In the second chapter, the researcher specified the source of data and its nature. Being a component of W.F.S. data, the K.F.S. data is so comprehensive and detailed that it constitutes a rich data base for social and demographic analysis. * / VI closer together than in other ethnic groups where the temporal span between first birth and first marriage is greater. Age at first birth and first marriage showed interesting differentials in their relation to total fertility. Total fertility tended to be higher controlling for first birth than for first marriage. This signified the fact that total fertility will be higher the earlier the age at first birth than the earlier the age at first marriage. Chi-square was the main statistical measure used to show the correlation between, the variables. Percentages and means were used for comparison of various distributions of phenomena. Graphs and figures were also used to give pictorial presentation of phenomena where necessary.