Association between socioeconomic status and fertility among adolescents aged 15 to 19: an analysis of the 2013/2014 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS)

Abstract Background Adolescents face significant barriers to access and utilization of sexual reproductive health services in many low-income settings, which turn may be associated with adverse consequences such as early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion mortality. There is evidence suggesting that limited information among adolescents contributes these outcomes. We aimed find out the factors affect fertility aged 15 19 years Zambia identify possible drivers adolescents’ fertility. Methods Secondary analysis ZDHS 2013/14 data was carried rate using multivariate logistic regression (n = 3666). Results Overall, 23.1% had given birth at least once 5 leading survey 3666, 99.4% response), 49.8% were rural-based while 50.2% urban-based. The median number schooling 8 (IQR 6–10). About 52% poorer, poor medium wealth quintiles other 48% rich richer quintiles. Factors found include residence, status, educational attainment, marriage abortion. An urban-based adolescent a lower socioeconomic status 2.4 times more likely give compared poorer (aOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7, p < 0.001). Although odds giving much higher married 8.0, 5.4, 11.9, 0.001) urban 5.5, 8.3, 16.0, 0.001), relationships both statistically significant, attainment 0.7, 0.6, 0.8 0.3, 0.1, 0.8, 0.020) reduced odds, particularly for adolescents. Conclusion Despite response reducing fertility, low remain Zambia. need address needs status.