Socio-economic and Proxlmate Factors Affecting Fertility in Rural Ethiopia: The Case of Cheha and Ezha-and-wolene Weredas
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Date
1993-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In this study an attempt has been made to investigate
the interrelationships between socio-economic factors and
proximate determinants on the one hand and socia-economic
factors and fertility on the other. In addition, the
association between proximate variables and fertility was
examined.
The study was based on a sample survey of 681 ever
married women in the child bearing age group (15-49 years)
and 160 currently married men selected from 10 out of 117
Peasant Associations found in Cheha and Ezha-and-Wolene
Weredas.
The accuracy of the data on age and number of children
ever born was evaluated by very simple demographic
techniques. The data was analyzed using Chi-Square, simple
correlation and multiple and stepwise regression.
Generally the bivariate analysis showed that proximate
variables were found to vary among Peasant Associations
according to the socia-economic background of the respondent.
Women's education was directly related to age at first
marriage, incidence of spousal separation, and frequency of
marriage. But duration of breast-feeding and post partum
sexual abstinence was lower among better educated women.
Age at first marriage, incidence of spousal separation
and frequency of marriage were negatively associated with
proportion muslim. Duration of breast-feeding abstinence and
proportion of monogamous women were higher among muslims.
Economic status was observed to be positively associated
with incidence of spousal separation and polygamy, but
negatively related to frequency of marriage and duration of
ful-breast- feeding. On the other hand child mortality and
duration of ful -breast-feeding were negatively related.
The bivariate and mUltivariate analysis thus revealed
that except education, all socia-economic factors
(christianity, economic status and child mortality were
positively related to fertility. Therefore, to lower
fert i lity, it is recommended to raise women's education and
reduce child mortality.
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Socio-Economic