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Factors associated with unrealized fertility among women approaching the end of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Tsion Mulat Tebeje
  • Mesfin Abebe
  • Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale
  • Mekonnen Birhanie Aregu

Abstract

Background: Understanding women’s fertility preferences is essential for addressing reproductive behaviors and family planning needs. In sub-Saharan Africa, fertility rates remain high, yet many women experience unrealized fertility, which is having fewer children than desired. However, the factors influencing unrealized fertility remain underexplored. This study assessed the determinants of unrealized fertility among women approaching the end of their reproductive years in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using phase eight Demographic and Health Surveys data from 19 sub-Saharan African countries. The weighted sample included 46,408 women aged 40–49 years. A multilevel Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to identify factors associated with unrealized fertility. Adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, and variables with a p value

Suggested Citation

  • Tsion Mulat Tebeje & Mesfin Abebe & Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale & Mekonnen Birhanie Aregu, 2025. "Factors associated with unrealized fertility among women approaching the end of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(9), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0331265
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331265
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John C. Casterline & Siqi Han, 2017. "Unrealized fertility: Fertility desires at the end of the reproductive career," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 36(14), pages 427-454.
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