Individual and Community Level Correlates of Premarital Childbearing in South Africa

Shanaaz Dunn, Human Sciences Research Council
Emma Shuvai Chikovore, School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pranitha Maharaj, University of Kwazulu-Natal

In South Africa, there have been significant changes in fertility patterns over the years and premarital fertility has become more common. The aim of this study is to examine the individual and community level factors associated with premarital fertility among women in a union or previously in a union aged 15-49 who have ever given birth (N=3258) using data from the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) 2016. In the study, 56.7% of births were premarital while 43.3% occurred within a union. Additionally, 57.2% of currently married women reported a premarital birth. The highest percentage of premarital births (74.7%) occurred among women younger than 18 years. Age at first birth, age at first sex, household wealth, region and level of education were significantly associated with premarital births. Policies and interventions should address the correlates of premarital fertility to improve the socio-economic circumstances of women and advance gender equality.