Maternal age at first childbirth and under-five morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa: analysis of cross-sectional data of 32 countries

ConclusionsIn this study, an association between adolescent childbirth and morbidity in children under five in SSA has been established. The study concludes that under-five morbidity is higher among children born to mothers whose first childbirth occurred before 20 years compared to those whose mothers ’ first childbirth occurred at 20 years and above. The findings indicate that in order to reduce under-five morbidity, there is the need to deal with adolescent childbearing through cultural and social change, coupled with engagement of adolescents and stakeholders in adolescent sexual and reprodu ctive health programmes.
Source: Archives of Public Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research