Trends in the timing of reproductive milestones among ethiopian women

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