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Determinants of transitions to first sexual intercourse, marriage and pregnancy among female adolescents: evidence from South Nyanza, Kenya

Magadi, Monica A.; Agwanda, Alfred O.

Authors

Monica A. Magadi

Alfred O. Agwanda



Abstract

Summary The timing of transitions to sexual activity, marriage and childbearing in sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing profound changes. This study investigates the determinants of adolescent transitions in South Nyanza, a socioeconomically deprived setting in Kenya where adolescent reproductive health is a particular concern. The analysis is based on Cox regression of timing of first sexual intercourse, first marriage and first pregnancy, using data from a survey of 1247 females aged 1219 years. The results show that higher household socioeconomic status and educational attainment are associated with delayed onset of all three transition events. Furthermore, mothers higher educational attainment is protective for initiation of sexual intercourse while rural residence is protective for pregnancy experience. Other protective factors include communication with parents or with fellow girlfriends. However, discussing sexual matters with boyfriends, high internal locus of control, and gender bias are associated with early onset of the three transition events. © 2008 Cambridge University Press.

Citation

Magadi, M. A., & Agwanda, A. O. (2009). Determinants of transitions to first sexual intercourse, marriage and pregnancy among female adolescents: evidence from South Nyanza, Kenya. Journal of biosocial science, 41(3), 409-427. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021932008003210

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 31, 2009
Online Publication Date Nov 27, 2008
Publication Date May 1, 2009
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal JOURNAL OF BIOSOCIAL SCIENCE
Print ISSN 0021-9320
Electronic ISSN 1469-7599
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 41
Issue 3
Pages 409-427
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021932008003210
Keywords Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; General Social Sciences
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/417706