Gurmu, Eshetu (PhD)Dejene, Tariku2018-09-252023-11-182018-09-252023-11-182007-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/12209COlltext: Adolescelll childbearing has undesirable cOllsequences. In sub Saharan A/heel, among other things, dropping out of school, high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity are the most noted consequences of adolescent childbearing. The ultimate goal of this study is to analyze the levels, trends and differentials of adolescent childbearing or motherhood in Ethiopia. Method: This study is carried out using quantitative data obtainedfi'om the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A multilevel logistic regression is fit to analyze the determinants of adolescent childbearing using the MLwiN 2.02 software designed for this purpose. Qualitative data were also collected to facilitate the interpretation of results of the analysis o.lthe quantitative data. Result: Adolescent motherhood in Ethiopia has shown a generally declining trend over time. The decline, according to the results of this study, was more marked in the periodfollowing the adoption o.f the population policy. As was expected, the level of adolescent motherhood was lower in urban areas and women who have a secondary and above education. The effect ol marital status and sexual experience on teenage motherhood was positive and significant. 711e levels of early marriage and early debut into sexual activity have declined over time. The decline in the percentage o.f early marriage and early sexual debut are mainly allributed. among otherfactors, to the increase in education of women. The risk o.f adolescent motherhood is higher among women who were not working and agricultural worker women. COllcll/sion: in conclusion, modernization, especially as measured by a secondary and above level of educational allainment, reduces the chances of adolescent motherhood among women. Moreover, women not working, women working in agricultural sector and women residing in rural areas should be given priority in all actions designed to minimize the risk o.l adolescent motherhood.enLevels, TrendsThesis