Trends and Differentials of Adolescent Motherhood in Ethiopia: Evidences from 2005 Demographic and Health Survey

Eshetu Gurmu, Tariku Dejene

Abstract

Adolescent childbearing has undesirable consequences. Dropping out of school, high rates of abortion, maternal mortality and morbidity are noted consequences of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing. The objective of this study, which is based on the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, is to analyze the levels, trends and differentials of adolescent motherhood in Ethiopia. A multilevel logistic regression was fitted to analyze the determinants of adolescent childbearing. Adolescent motherhood in Ethiopia has shown a generally declining trend over time. The decline was more marked in the periods following the adoption of the national population policy in the country. Further, it was lower in urban areas and among women who have secondary and above level of education, but higher among women not working and those engaged in agricultural activities. Housewives and women working in the agricultural sector should be given attention to reduce the risks and consequences of adolescent motherhood. (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[4]: 162-174).

Résumé

La grossesse chez les adolescentes a des conséquences indésirables. L’abandon des études, les taux élevés d'avortement, la mortalité maternelle et la morbidité maternelle   sont des conséquences bien connues de la grossesse et de la procréation chez les adolescentes. L'objectif de cette étude, qui est basée sur les données tirées de l’Enquête Démographique et de Santé de 2005 en Ethiopie,  est d'analyser les niveaux, les tendances et les différentielles de la maternité chez les adolescentes en Ethiopie. Une régression logistique a été mise en place à plusieurs niveaux pour analyser les déterminants de la grossesse chez les adolescentes. La maternité chez les adolescentes en Ethiopie a montré une tendance générale à la baisse au fil du temps. La baisse a été plus marquée dans les périodes qui suivent l'adoption de la politique nationale démographique dans le pays. En outre, il a été plus faible dans les milieux urbains et chez les femmes qui ont un niveau d’étude secondaire ou supérieur, mais plus élevé chez les femmes qui ne travaillent pas et chez celles qui sont engagées dans des activités agricoles. Il faut accorder l’attention aux femmes au foyer et aux femmes qui travaillent dans le secteur agricole afin de réduire les risques et les conséquences de la maternité chez les adolescentes (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[4]: 162-174).

Keywords: young mothers, teenage fertility, adolescent pregnancy, early marriage

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