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The impact of household structure on fertility: A study in Vietnam

Author

Listed:
  • Khoa Nguyen

    (Can Tho University)

  • Tuyen Duong

    (Soc Trang Seafood Joint Stock Company, Can Tho)

Abstract

Background: A declining fertility rate and aging population are major challenges for Vietnam. Methods: This study utilizes panel data from the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey, conducted from 2008 to 2016, tracking 1,200 households over nine years. A fixed effects model was employed to control for unobserved factors, such as cultural traditions and fertility motivations, thereby addressing endogeneity issues commonly encountered in previous research. Results: The results indicate that the presence of grandparent(s) in a household has a positive impact on the number of children born (particularly when both grandparents are present), with estimates ranging from 0.0771 (95% CI: 0.0175 to 0.1368) for both grandparents to 0.1373 (95% CI: 0.0824 to 0.1922) overall. This effect is especially prominent in the Central Highlands and the Northern Midlands/Mountainous Area. In contrast, the effect is less pronounced in the Mekong River Delta, likely due to socioeconomic factors and data limitations. Contribution: This study highlights the importance of household structure in shaping fertility behavior and provides policy recommendations to support multigenerational households and promote sustainable fertility rates in Vietnam.

Suggested Citation

  • Khoa Nguyen & Tuyen Duong, 2026. "The impact of household structure on fertility: A study in Vietnam," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 54(22), pages 677-718.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:54:y:2026:i:22
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2026.54.22
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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