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     Current Research Journal of Social Sciences

    Abstract
2012(Vol.4, Issue:2)
Article Information:

Prevalence and Correlates of Pre-Marital Fertility (Childbearing) among Unmarried Female Youths in Chamwino District in Central Tanzania

J. Lwelamira, S. Nyakoki and M.O. Zakayo
Corresponding Author:  J. Lwelamira 
Submitted: December 30, 2011
Accepted: January 25, 2012
Published: March 20, 2012
Abstract:
Fertility/childbearing among non-married female youths has been associated with several social problems to a female youth, as well as both social and health problems to a child (newborn). This study was carried out in Chamwino district in Central Tanzania between July to August, 2010 with the aim of identifying correlates of pre-marital fertility/childbearing among non-married female youths in a study area. Specific objectives of the study were to determine the extent of sexual and other risky behaviours and fertility among non-married female youths in the study area; identification of socio- demographic, and behavioral factors that are associated with pre- marital fertility among non-married female youths in the study area. This was a crosssectional study that involved 202 non-married female youths aged between 12-24 years from four randomly selected villages from four randomly selected wards with one village from each ward. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages; as well as Binary Multiple Logistic Regression for identification of factors associated with pre- marital fertility using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12. Results of this study indicated sexual practices, risky behaviours and hence pre-marital fertility/ childbearing among non-married female youths in a study population existed at a substantial rate, with 75% of study participants reported to had ever had sex, and nearly a quarter (24%) of those who had ever had sex indicated to had ever given birth. Likelihood (chances) of having pre-marital fertility among non-married female youths increased with increase in age (Odds ratio (OR = 14.9-19.80, p<0.01), increased with being from polygamous family (OR = 4.9, p<0.05), decreased by been living with both parents in most of the time (OR = 0.04, p<0.05); and decreased with religious affiliation being protestant (OR = 0.16, p<0.05) compared to the counterparts. The likelihood also decreased with being from other ethnic groups other than Gogo (OR = 0.10, p<0.05), increased with use of alcohol (OR = 5.4, p<0.05), increased with if had ever received money or material gift in exchange for sex (OR = 11.5, p<0.05), and if had close friends that are sexually active (peer pressure) (OR = 3.2, p<0.05) compared to the counterparts. Furthermore, having secondary education and above were associated with decreased odds of having pre-marital fertility compared to primary education or none (OR = 0.08, p<0.01). Family type (i.e. living in nucleus or extended family) had no significant influence on odds for reporting pre- marital fertility (OR = 1.3, p>0.05). Based on these findings, recommendations to reduce prevalence of pre-marital fertility among non-married female youths in the study area have been indicated.

Key words:  Fertility, pregnancies, reproductive health, sexuality, youths, ,
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Cite this Reference:
J. Lwelamira, S. Nyakoki and M.O. Zakayo, . Prevalence and Correlates of Pre-Marital Fertility (Childbearing) among Unmarried Female Youths in Chamwino District in Central Tanzania. Current Research Journal of Social Sciences, (2): 159-167.
ISSN (Online):  2041-3246
ISSN (Print):   2041-3238
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