Determinants of fertility among adolescents and Youth 15-24 years in Kenya

Abstract

Teenage pregnancies are a major problem not only in Kenya but also in the whole world. Teenage pregnancies have demographic and health implications. Using data of 3506 of adolescents and youth 15-24 years from Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 1998, this study explores factors that influence children ever born among this age group. The study used cross tabulation and ordinary multiple regression analysis. The results from analysis suggest that the most significant influence of fertility among adolescents and youth is age at first birth and age itself. Religiosity is not a factor that influences children ever born among adolescents and youth 15-24 years. The analysis among ethnic group indicated that Luo, Luhya and Kalenjin have the highest number of adolescents with 2 children and more. Education was found to be associated with children ever born. The study indicates that among women sampled in Kenya demographic and Health Survey of 1998, 52 % of children were born before their mothers were 25 years. Mean age at first sex is found to beI5.87, median at 16.00, mode at 15 while minimum age at first sex is 8 years. ~ Results of this study suggest that it is important to commence family life education before 8 years and intensify it before 15 years when majority of adolescents seem highly sexually active. Further studies are recommended to determine most appropriate messages and programs to sustain virginity.