Patterns of fertility in contemporary South Africa: Prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Globally, there have been significant changes in women’s reproductive behaviour that have had profound effects on population growth. Despite declining fertility in South Africa in recent years, population growth is yet to slow down. This study examined patterns of childbearing in contemporary South Africa. Specifically, it investigated the prevalence of fertility among women of different relationship status and its associated social, economic, and cultural factors. Cross-sectional survey data from 6,124 responses of women in the reproductive age (15–49 years old) to the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey were used to decompose fertility into its constituent parts and analysed using binary logistic regression techniques. The findings showed that both marital and nonmarital childbirths significantly contribute to the overall fertility levels in South Africa. Moreover, the results showed that race, ethnicity, household size, age at first sex and contraceptive use were risk factors for childbearing among South African women of childbearing age, while younger age, increased education and wealth were found to be protective factors against childbearing. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.