Exploring fertility preferences among women aged 15-24 in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The DRC has one of the highest fertility rates globally, yet research on fertility preferences in the country remains limited. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to the persistence of high fertility preferences among young and adolescent women (15-24) in the DRC. Using data from the 2013-2014 DHS, the study examines fertility preferences by transition stage. Multinomial logistic regression analysis is used to identify the characteristics associated with mid- (4-5 children) and pre-transitional (6+ children) as opposed to post-transitional (0-3 children) preferences. Results reveal that 43% of the women prefer 6+ children. The relative risk of fertility preference varies significantly based on characteristics such as age, literacy, place and province of residence, religion, employment status, wealth, acceptance of domestic violence, and knowledge of modern family planning methods. The findings provide evidence for both the diffusion and socio-economic theory of fertility decline.

Keywords: Adolescent and young women; Democratic Republic of Congo; Fertility preferences; Fertility transition; Multinomial logistic regression analysis.