EXPLANATORY FACTORS for EARLY FATHERHOOD AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 15 to 24 IN BENIN

Stalec ALINKPESSO , ECOLE NATIONALE DE STATISTIQUE, DE PLANIFICATION ET DE DÉMOGRAPHIQUE
Justin Dansou, Université de Parakou

BACKGROUND: This study examines the phenomenon of early fatherhood among young people aged 15 to 24 in Benin. METHODOLOGY: The analysis is based on data from the fifth Benin Demographic and Health Survey (EDSB-V) conducted between 2017 and 2018, covering a representative sample of the Beninese population. Data are analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression. RESULTS:Out of a total of 7595 respondents, 29.63% became early fathers. Young people living in rural areas, with no education and having started their sexual life at a young age were more likely to become early fathers. The use of contraceptives, religion and telephone ownership are factors that significantly influence early fatherhood in Benin. CONCLUSION: The study shows that early fatherhood is more common among young people living in rural areas, a trend certainly linked to low levels of education and early onset of sexual activity.

Keywords: Fertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Gender Dynamics

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