Factors Associated with High-Risk Births in South Africa.

Martin E. Palamuleni, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
Kgomotso Montse, North-West University

There is a dearth of information on socio-demographic factors associated with high-risk fertility among women in South Africa. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors associated with high-risk births in South Africa. The study used secondary data obtained from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. The study population comprised of 6124 of South African reproductive women. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association between high-risk birth and selected socio-demographic factors. The study found that the prevalence of high-risk birth among reproductive women in South Africa was 65.7%. Results of logistic regression modelling showed that age group, marital status, education, region, wealth index, and ethnicity were statistically associated with high-risk birth. The study recommend the strengthening the family planning programme especially among the uneducated and rural residents so as to reduce high-risk births in the country.