141st APHA Annual Meeting

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291420
Trends in the timing of reproductive milestones among ethiopian women

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM

Ayalu Reda, PhD student , Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC), Brown University, Providence, RI
David Lindstrom, PhD , Department of Sociology, Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC), Providence, RI
Background: Up until recently, Ethiopia has been characterized by more conservative reproductive patterns exemplified by low contraceptive use, early marriage and early birth. In the past decade, however, there have been several social changes in the country that have altered the reproductive characteristics of the population. Among these include doubling of contraceptive prevalence from 14% in 2005 to 27% in 2011; urbanization and increased access to education. Young women are believed to be among the main beneficiaries of these developments. However, there are few studies examining the impact of these changes on the reproductive patterns of women and their transition to adulthood.

Objective: To examine reproductive patterns of women 20-29 years of age in the past decade.

Methods: We use data from the 2000, 2005, and 2011 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and discrete time survival models were fitted to examine patterns and predictors of age at first sex, birth and marriage.

Results: The findings indicate that, there are only limited changes in the timing of first sex, marriage and birth. Conservative sexual practices still prevail. However, despite a small decline in premarital sex between the 2005 and 2011 surveys, there is evidence of an increase in premarital sexual activity among young women with education beyond primary school.

Implications: Even though there have been notable changes in social conditions which are often associated with increased premarital sex and decoupling of marriage and birth elsewhere, such characteristics have not yet materialized in Ethiopia

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Describe the patterns, timing and predictors of reproductive milestones among women in Ethiopia. Evaluate trends in first sex, premarital sex, first marriage and first birth among 20-29 year old women in Ethiopia using the 2000, 2005 and 2011 Demographic and Health Surveys.

Keywords: Family Planning, Reproductive Health Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Youth reproductive health and behavior in Ethiopia are the topic of my PhD dissertation.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.