The Journal of African Population Studies (JAPS) is a biannual, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research articles, reviews, commentaries, letters, and case studies on topics related to the disciplines represented by the Union for African Population Studies. These disciplines include demography, population studies, public health, epidemiology, social statistics, population geography, development studies, economics and other social sciences that deal with population and development interrelationships that are unique and relevant to Africa and global audience. Interested in submitting to this journal? We recommend that you review the About the Journal page for the journal's section policies, as well as the Author Guidelines. Authors need to register with the journal prior to submitting or, if already registered, can simply log in and begin the submission process.
Copyright on articles is owned by the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Africa at the crossroads of antimicrobial resistance and climate change
Copyright (c) 2026 Obasanjo Bolarinwa, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi , Olalekan Adekola, Alex Lo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IDPs Camp isn’t a Safe Haven: Exploring Violence against Displaced Women and Abortion Liberation in Abuja Nigeria
Displaced women faced a lot of reproductive health challenges, with no choice but to seek available skeletal sexual and reproductive health services from local midwives and patent medicine vendors, among numerous sexual and reproductive health needs. This study examined the prevalence of self-reported sexual violence and the reproductive health challenges faced after being abused. The data was sourced from 300 displaced women randomly selected from four internally displaced Persons' Camps in Abuja, Nigeria. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were done using IBM-SPSS-version-22.0. The findings show that 40% of the displaced women had experienced at least one sexual violence, and 61.2% had a pregnancy lost through unsafe-abortion. Education, religion, pregnancy complications, and access to abortion care are significantly associated with sexual violence at 5% level of significance. This study reveals high rates of unwanted-pregnancies, complications, and sexual violence among displaced women, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reproductive health services in camps and policy reviews. The study established the need to review the legislation against safe abortions, especially among the displaced women and girls. Thus, the inaction and neglect of stakeholders in meeting reproductive health-needs placed displaced women in danger haven.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sunday Abatan, Sarafa Shittu, Clement Olaiya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation par l’approche par les capabilités du suivi thérapeutique des adolescents et jeunes handicapés vivant avec le VIH/SIDA. Etudes de cas à l’hôpital des instructions armées de Cotonou et à l’hôpital militaire de région2 à Douala
Notre recherche est une étude qualitative transversale menée auprès du personnel des unités de prise en charge des personnes vivantes avec le VIH/SIDA(PVVIH) de l’hôpital des Instructions Armées de Cotonou(HIA) et l’hôpital Militaire de Région 2 de Douala(HMR2). Cette étude avait pour but d’évaluer la capacité du personnel des centres de traitements agréés (CTA) à prendre en charge les personnes handicapées porteuses du VIH malgré l’inexistence des données de celles-ci dans les programmes de lutte contre le VIH/SIDA en Afrique. Cette inexistence de données était un indicateur qui expliquait la négligence du suivi thérapeutique de la personne handicapée vivante avec le VIH (PHVVIH) dans les sites étudiés. L’Approche par les Capabilités (AC) a été utilisée pour observer, énoncer et analyser les facteurs individuels et environnementaux qui influencent la prise en charge des PHVVIH à l’HIA et à l’HMR2. Nous avons soumis un guide d’entretien orientée selon la définition de l’AC de 2021 à 2022 à 27 personnels de santé à l’HMR2 et à 7 personnels de santé à l’HIA. Les résultats ont été obtenus à l’aide des analyses sur l’AC ainsi que des analyses de contenu et textuelle avec R , dont la présente publication.
Evaluation thérapeutique ; Approche par les capabilités ; VIH/SIDA ; Handicap ; PVVIH ; PHVVIH ; CTA
Copyright (c) 2026 Alvine Nteppe, Vincent Tiffreau, Paraïso.N. Moussiliou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Women’s Healthcare Accessibility and Utilisation Post-COVID-19 in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria
Worldwide, the healthcare system has witnessed significant changes in accessibility and utilization during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a reported marked reduction observed globally in healthcare utilization, especially after the pandemic. This research scrutinized the influence of several determinants of healthcare accessibility and utilization after COVID-19. The data was quantitatively analysed from a household survey of 2423 female rural participants from Delta and Edo States in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria. SPSS 23 software was used for the results examined, while Arc GIS 10 Software was used for Map production. Descriptive and multiple regression techniques were used to analyse the data. The research findings depicted the change in healthcare utilization from primary healthcare to hospital due to challenges in the quality of healthcare in rural areas. The region is characterized by (84% of) women who have low or no income and are either farmers or traders. Healthcare services utilized include maternal and child care (pre-natal, delivery, family planning) among the research participants. Twenty-four variables explained rural women’s healthcare accessibility and utilization at 77% which is statistically significant. This research recommends the improvement in women’s productivity and livelihood, change in social infrastructure to boost equality between the genders, combating the social and economic consequences after COVID-19 and integration of active community and government participation in the healthcare system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rebecca John-Abebe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Demographic Characteristics as option for Economic Diversification in Sokoto State, Nigeria
This study examined the role of demographic characteristics as option for economic diversification in Sokoto State. It focuses on the human populations, their structure and change. Demographic indicators in the study include population size, population growth rate and total fertility rate, among others. The study adopted a cross-sectional approach using both primary and secondary sources of data. It involved over 300 sample size of population interviewed using key informant interview scheduled across the state. In addition, data from NDHS, NPopC and other government documents were utilized and analyzed using SPSS. The findings reveal that both infant mortality and under-5 mortality rates are high (89/1000 and 185/1000 respectively) and affected the economic development and diversification of the state. In terms of education, out of school children accounts for 66.8% of total school going children, net attendance ratio at primary level is 39.8% for boys and 24.6% for girls, while gender parity index for primary level is 0.55. The study concludes that the demographics of the state is growing very rapidly and changes at a rate far above the national average of Nigeria. The growth rate is a function of cultural dispositions that encourages polygamy of up to four wives the overwhelming poverty level of the state. To avert the situation, the study suggests more economic diversification among growing population in the state and beyond.
Population Health, Maternal and Child Health Care
Copyright (c) 2026 Umar Idris Boku https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Post-Vaccine Spatial Patterns and Associated Risk Factors of COVID-19 Infections, Recoveries and Deaths in West Africa
COVID-19, declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization in March 2020, came to an end on May 5, 2023. The pandemic affected every part of the world including West Africa. Previous studies on this subregion examined the distribution and drivers of COVID-19 with a view to identifying its epicentres during the first wave of the pandemic long before a COVID-19 vaccine was found. After several rollouts, questions on the post vaccine spatial patterns of the pandemic and the degree to which vaccination influenced morbidity and mortality outcomes surfaced. The focus of this paper therefore was to examine the spatial patterns and associated risk factors of COVID-19 infections, recoveries and deaths in the post vaccine period. The study relied on public data sources. Pearson Correlation and Stepwise regression method were used to identify the drivers of the spatial patterns. Findings show that Nigeria and Cape Verde were the pandemic’s hotspots in West Africa. In addition, population size, elderly population, air traffic, access to WASH, and some socioeconomic indicators were significant in the explanation of the spatial patterns of the disease. In conclusion, the geography of the pandemic in West Africa did not significantly change on account of vaccination.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tolulope Osayomi, Samuel Adebola, Faithwin Gbadamosi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Small Area Population Projections: Suitability of Hamilton-Perry Model in Undertaking Population Projections by Age and Sex for Selected Sub-Counties in Kenya.
Background: Devolution of services in Kenya from the National Government to the 47 County Governments has led to a rise in demand for reliable age and sex disaggregated population statistics at lower levels (sub-county and ward levels) for effective segmented programming and planning. Objective: The study was undertaken to determine the suitability of Hamilton-Perry model in undertaking sub-county population projections by age and sex using case of selected sub-counties in Nyeri and Vihiga Counties, Kenya. Method: The study used the 1999, 2009 and 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census data for the selected sub-counties. Vihiga county was selected because it had the highest net out migration rate among the 47 counties of 97 per 1,000 in 2019 census while Nyeri was selected due to its stable Total Fertility Rete (TFR) and low out migration rate. Results: The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) for the 2019 population projections for Nyeri county, Kieni East and Kieni West Sub-counties were 8.5, 11.5 and 17.5 respectively. That of Vihiga County, Emuhaya Sub-county and Vihiga Sub-county were 9.6, 19.3 and 7.9 respectively. This implies that the projection had very good precision for Nyeri County, Vihiga County and Vihiga Sub-county and had good precision for Kieni West, Kieni East and Emuhaya Sub-counties. Conclusions: The study results from the two sub-counties of Nyeri and Vihiga Counties, showed that the HP population projection model can be used reliably to undertake population projections for the sub-counties of Nyeri and Vihiga Counties, Kenya. The model produced population projections with very good precision in the Sub-counties with higher population size and its precision was shown to decrease with decrease in population size.
Copyright (c) 2025 Job Nyandwaki Mose, Dr. Samuel Wakibi, Prof. Alfred Agwanda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Current prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with unmet need for contraception among women in union in sub-Saharan Africa.
This study analyzes the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with unmet need for contraception among women in union in sub-Saharan Africa. Using secondary data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys, statistical tests revealed an overall prevalence of 20.7% of unmet need for contraception (13.9% for birth spacing and 6.8% for birth control). Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression shows that women aged 25-34 and 35-49 years have a reduced risk of unmet need for spacing but an increased risk for control. Women who have reached their desired fertility have a reduced need for spacing [RRR=0.87; CI=0.80-0.95, p<0.01], while those with unwanted children have an increased need for control [RRR=3.80; CI=0.80-0.95, p<0.01]. CI=3.50-4.12, p<0.001]. Similarly, women living with a partner have a higher risk of unmet need for spacing [RRR=1.07; CI=1.01-1.13, p<0.05], but those with at least primary education have a low risk for limitation. Therefore, the study recommends that family planning (FP) program managers and Non-Governmental Organizations redouble their efforts to improve access to FP services, promote women's education. It is also essential to increase awareness among small families and men aspiring to high fertility, men about the benefits of FP for health and well-being.
Associated factors, Unmet needs, Spacing, Limiting, Sub-Saharan Africa
Copyright (c) 2025 Matè Alonyenyo Labité, Hervé Bassinga, Zacharie Tsala Dimbuene, Abdramane Bassiahi Soura https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
North-South Differential and Determinants of Maternal Health Services Utilization among Urban Poor in Nigeria
This study investigated maternal health service utilization among urban poor women in Nigeria, with a focus on North-South differentials. Using 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data on 373 women aged 15-49 years, the study found substantial disparities in ideal maternal healthcare use between the North (3%) and South (19%). In the North, husband’s education and health facility visits were significantly associated with maternal health service (MHS) utilization, while in the South, women’s level of education, occupation, and exposure to family planning information on television were significant factors. There was a significant relationship between predisposing, enabling, and needs factors on MHS use in the South versus the North. Overall, the study highlights how regional demographic and socioeconomic characteristics greatly influence MHS utilization in Nigeria. The findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions to address North-South disparities and improve maternal health outcomes among urban poor women.
Maternal health services, Inequality, Poverty, Urban poverty, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2026 Temilolu Bamiwuye, Amos Oyedokun, Samson Olusina Bamiwuye https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Recreational Water Use and Health Insecurity among Children: The Case of Manyera River, Niger State
Water recreation in contaminated environments poses serious health hazards, especially for vulnerable groups such as children. This study examines the environmental risk of heavy metal exposure for children who participate in water recreation activities in the Manyera River, Niger State, Nigeria. The Manyera River, which has been affected by different human activities, has been identified as a potential source of toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. The study employed both questionnaire and interview methods to source for its data. The results revealed an increased artisanal mining and unsustainable methods posed substantial threats, particularly to community members and children who frequently utilized the river for domestic and recreational activities. Children were more exposed to heavy metals, such as mercury, which is found in concentrations higher than the W.H.O. safe limit. This exposure offers substantial insecurity to children, potentially affecting their respiratory, cognitive, and cardiovascular systems and increasing their chances of developing cancer in the future. The study emphasizes the urgent need for public health interventions, environmental remediation, and legislative changes to safeguard children from the long-term effects of exposure. Addressing these concerns is critical for protecting children's health and creating safer recreational areas.
Water recreation, Heavy metal exposure, Health insecurity, Environmental risk, Water
Copyright (c) 2026 Timileyin Gabriel Olajuwon, Dr Musediq Olufemi Lawal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Vivre au-delà d’ici : aperçu des connexions translocales de la migration au Burkina Faso
Le Burkina Faso est un pays qui a une longue histoire migratoire. Les mouvements migratoires sont tels que les ménages Burkinabè sont souvent dispersés sur différentes localités. Malgré cette dispersion, les liens entre les membres des ménages, répartis en endroits, restent maintenus, favorisant ainsi des relations translocales. L’objectif de cette étude est d’examiner les connexions multiformes, ainsi que les services qui accompagnent les migrations translocales au Burkina Faso. Une approche mixte a été adoptée en utilisant les données quantitatives et qualitatives de l'enquête multisite du projet MiTra|WA, collectées en juin 2022 et en novembre 2023 dans les provinces du Boulkiemdé, du Kouritenga et du Ioba, ainsi que Ouagadougou et Bobo Dioulasso. Les résultats montrent que, malgré la distance, les migrants entretiennent des liens multiformes avec leurs ménages d’origine, notamment par le biais des visites, d’échanges téléphoniques, de transferts de fonds et d’échanges de ressources. Ces interactions réciproques renforcent un sentiment d’appartenance des migrants à leur ménage d’origine, contribuant ainsi au bien-être des ménages et des migrants eux-mêmes. Toute initiative visant à soutenir les migrants et leurs ménages renforcerait non seulement les liens familiaux, mais aussi l’inclusion sociale, contribuant ainsi de manière significative au développement durable.
Copyright (c) 2026 Komi Ameko Azianu, Augustin Pale, Abdramane Bassiahi Soura https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dynamics of employment and unemployment during Covid-19 in Cotonou
The Covid-19 disrupted economic activities worldwide, significantly impacting labor markets. This research aims to analyze the dynamics of employment and unemployment during Covid-19 in Cotonou, using data from the biographical survey of the Rise Benin project. The survey was conducted on a sample of 1172 individuals in Cotonou. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing employment and unemployment dynamics during the pandemic. Descriptive results reveal an inverse relationship between employment and unemployment during the Covid-19 pandemic, with employment levels struggling to cover the unemployment gap in an economy dominated by the non-formal sector and service activities. Econometric analyses identify gender, education level, marital status, sector of activity, socio-professional category and age as the main determinants influencing the duration of employment and unemployment. Women were more affected by unemployment and remained job less for longer compared to men, particularly in the service sector. Being female, single, working in the service sector and being under 30 years old increase the likelihood of unemployed during the health crisis. Post-pandemic recovery measures struggled to cushion the shock, as they predominantly focused on formally registered businesses rather than households. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of Benin’s non-formal sector.
Population economics; Economic and social science; Gender econmics
Copyright (c) 2026 Imourana SOUMANOU, Alphonse Mingnimon AFFO, Pacôme Evènakpon ACOTCHEOU, Justin DANSOU, Jacques Zinsou SAIZONOU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
“Sex Makes One’s Body to be Okay”: A qualitative perspective of sexual behaviour and consequences among persons with disabilities in Oyo State, Nigeria
This study examines the sexual behavior and consequences among persons with disabilities (PWD) in Oyo State, Nigeria, a significant yet often overlooked group representing 8.3% of Nigeria’s population. With PWD facing challenges in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including limited access to services, societal stigma, and vulnerability to sexual exploitation, this research analyzed 41 in-depth interviews among PWD aged 18 and above across five local government areas of Oyo state. The findings dispel the misconception that PWD are asexual, revealing diverse sexual behaviors; some participants had multiple or singel partners, while others had none. Contraceptive use varied, with inconsistent adherence due to factors like trust in partners, physiological reasons, and a desire for children, although some used contraception to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies, aligning with the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The study highlights both positive sexual behavioural consequences, such as, good bodily feeling, social connection and childbearing, and negative consequences, including STIs, unplanned pregnancies, and single parenting. These insights emphasize the urgent need for tailored SRH interventions, including education and contraceptive awareness programs, by non-governmental and community-based organizations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Blessing Babalola, Ezebunwa Nwokocha, Bolarinwa Obasanjo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Urbanization and net fertility in Zambia, 1951-2022
The study estimates net migration flows between rural and urban areas in Zambia between 1951 and 2022. An innovative method is proposed, based on an estimation of differences in net fertility between urban and rural. Data come from two sources: population censuses which provide proportions urban and population growth rates at regular intervals, and demographic and health surveys (DHS) which provide trends in fertility, child survival and net fertility. Results show huge net migration flows between rural and urban areas, at times positive (1951-1980) and (2000-2022), but negative at other times (1980-2000). Net migration contributed positively to 54% of urban growth in the first period, and 44% in the third period, but negatively in the second period (−28%). These fluctuations were correlated with changes in economic growth, positive between 1950 and 1975 and between 1995 and 2020, but negative between 1975 and 1995, mainly because of increasing or decreasing prices of copper ore on international markets. Counter-urbanization was concentrated in the mining cities of the Copperbelt. Zambia appears as an outstanding case of the impact of economic fluctuations due to an external shock on urbanization. However, over a long period (1951-2022), urbanization in Zambia was similar to the average in sub-Saharan Africa.
Copyright (c) 2025 Michel Garenne, Nancy Stiegler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tendances et inégalités de contraception moderne au Burkina Faso : Une analyse à l’aune des politiques et programmes de planification familiale
Contexte. L’objectif de cette étude était d’analyser les évolutions et les inégalités de couverture contraceptive moderne à la lumière des politiques et programmes de planification familiale (PF) au Burkina Faso. Méthodes. Nous avons réalisé des analyses descriptives et des modèles de régressions pour examiner les tendances et inégalités socioéconomiques de la couverture contraceptive à partir des données de politiques et programmes de PF, et de douze enquêtes démographiques et de santé (EDS et PMA2020) sur la période 2010-2021. Résultats. Nonobstant la hausse de la couverture et la réduction des inégalités, à la faveur de la politique de gratuité, les populations pauvres, non-instruites ou vivant en milieu rural ont toujours une faible couverture de PF. Conclusion. Il y a nécessité de jouer à la fois sur le levier de l’offre, dont la gratuité de services de qualité, mais aussi le levier de la demande de service, via la promotion de la PF, dans l’optique d’un accès universel aux services de santé.
Contraception moderne, Besoins non satisfaits en PF, Politiques de PF, Burkina Faso
Copyright (c) 2026 Roch Modeste Millogo, Douba Nabie, Bruno Lankoande, Mahamadi Tassembedo, Nadine Tamboura Bamogo, Melinda Munos, Abdoulaye Maiga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Being resilient in a context of forced migration: the labour market integration of IDPs in Burkina Faso.
Using a High-Frequency Phone Survey conducted by the World Bank and the National Institute of Statistics and Demography, this paper assesses the labour market integration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso. Logistic regression results show that female household heads, IDPs who were forced to move several times before arriving in the current host community, those who were less able to “prepare” for their displacement, and those living in camps are less likely to be employed. Social cohesion and the ability of IDPs to project themselves in the host community have a positive and significant effect on their probability of being employed. These results highlight the importance of policymakers considering the specific challenges that affect the labour integration of IDPs, including demographic features of IDPs, factors of displacement, and local conditions in origin and host communities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tebkieta Alexandra Tapsoba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Socioeconomic and demographic determinants of time spent on Unpaid Care Work in developing countries: Case study of Benin
The unequal distribution of time among men and women across unpaid care work needs to be understood to develop appropriate strategies. The paper seeks to determine the socioeconomic and demographic factors that explain the time spent on Unpaid Care Work in Benin. To this end, a logistic regression (Tobit model) was used using data from the Harmonized Survey on Households’ Living Standards (EHCVM). Results found that the sex of individuals, education level, size of households, and regions of residence play a critical role in the time devoted to unpaid care work in Benin. So, to reduce the Unpaid Care Work in Benin, policies shall keep girls in the education system as long as possible and ensure their success. Furthermore, researchers shall investigate the socio-anthropologic rationale specific to regions regarding Unpaid Care Workload. This would help better implement the triple “R” in Benin.
Unpaid Care Work; Socioeconomic factors; Tobit regression; Benin
Copyright (c) 2026 Sam Agbahoungba, Touwédé Bénédicte Atchadé https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of rural-urban migration on child survival in Kenya.
Migration in many developing countries is mostly motivated by the need to improve the well-being of individuals or household members. The aim of this study, therefore, was to establish the role of rural-urban migration on child survival in Kenya. Using a sample of 156,977 children pooled from six Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Kenya between 1989 and 2014 we compared child survival for five sets of paired migration statuses using odds ratios. The results of the odds ratio for the composite analysis show that children born to rural non-migrants, rural-to-urban migrants and urban-to-rural migrants were 31 percent, 15 percent and 33 percent respectively more likely to die compared to those born to urban non-migrants. Children born to rural-to-urban migrants were 12 percent less likely to die compared to those born to rural non-migrant women while survival chances were similar for children born to urban-to-rural migrants and rural non-migrants. When odd ratios are decomposed by socioeconomic and health characteristics, the results suggest that most of the rural-to-urban migrants face adaptability challenges in urban region. From these results, we conclude that migration can affect child survival through the socioeconomic and environmental adaptability capability of the migrant households. Policies on child survival should therefore aim at bridging the socioeconomic gaps between migrant groups. Specifically, the progressive development policies at both national and devolved governance should aim at reducing the geographical socioeconomic disparities.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Factors determining female unemployment in South Africa: Evidence from the 2021 Labour Force Survey.
The persistent high unemployment confronting South Africa, in particular among women continues to be a cause of concern. The study set out to look at the factors driving female unemployment in South Africa in an attempt to contribute to efforts to find a solution to the problem of female unemployment. This study estimated the prevalence of female unemployment and identified its predictors in South Africa. Quarterly Labour Force Survey covering the fourth quarter of 2021 and a weighted sample of 13322 women aged 15-64 years were used. The dependent variable of interest was unemployment, while the independent variables were the age, population group, marital status, level of education, province of residence and geographic type. The analysis was conducted at bivariate and multivariate levels. It was found that female unemployment rates are significantly influenced by factors that include level of education, women in youth age category, differed among population group and marital status. The female unemployment varied significantly among provinces of residence and geographic type, with the highest prevalence rates observed in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Limpopo. The study further found high unemployment rate in urban areas while traditional areas had high rates of discouraged job seekers.
Decent Work Deficit at its Peak among Female Domestic Workers’ Working Condition in Ethiopia
This in-depth analysis squarely focuses on the working conditions of female domestic workers, investigating various facets of their daily work environment, including workload, working hours, rest days, and departure schedules. Grounded in a constructivist research philosophy, the study employs a cross-sectional qualitative research design to collect primary data, utilizing the convenience sampling method within the non-probability sampling framework. A diverse cohort of 32 respondents, comprising domestic workers, employers, parents, and stakeholders, participated in the study. The findings disclose that the working conditions of female domestic workers reveal a stark manifestation of exploitation and a power imbalance. The extended and erratic work hours indicate a notable imbalance in power dynamics, expressed by employer control over leave and rest days, limiting the autonomy of domestic workers and making them more susceptible to exploitation. The labor theory's concept illuminates the decent work deficit caused by the inconsistent and frequently excessive workload, insufficient remuneration, capricious deductions, salary withholding by employers, unpaid terminations, and financial instability faced by subjects. The study advocates for government and stakeholder interventions to champion the rights of domestic workers, accompanied by the implementation of targeted awareness-raising initiatives aimed at society and employers.
A Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Unintended Pregnancy in Kenya.
Background: Unintended pregnancy is a significant health and social issue in Kenya. This study used data extracted from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, involving 10,302 women aged 15-49 to investigate the prevalence and associated factors. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed that 40% of the pregnancies were unintended. Unintended pregnancy was significantly associated with various factors. Woman’s age affected the likelihood of unintended pregnancy, with women aged at least 20 years having lower odds compared to younger women. Education also affected the likelihood of unintended pregnancy, with higher education levels linked to higher odds. Married and formerly married women had lower odds of unintended pregnancy. Women with 4 or more children, and those exposed to mass media had higher odds. Ever use of contraceptives and knowledge of the fertile period were associated with higher odds. Occupation also affected unintended pregnancy, with professional/managerial jobs having lower odds, while domestic work linked to higher odds. Middle and higher wealth statuses were linked to lower odds. Both places and region of residence also affected the likelihood of unintended pregnancy with rural residence was associated with lower odds, and significant regional variations observed. Conclusion: The study calls for comprehensive access to sexual and reproductive health services in order to reduce the high prevalence of unintended pregnancies in the country.
Agricultural involvement amongst smallholders of South Africa: Evidence from GHS 2015 and GHS 2018
The smallholding is central to livelihood diversifications that drive economic growth in non-metropolitan settlements. This gained recognition in the Zero Hunger Challenge, Agenda 2063, SDGs, and NDP 2030 for South Africa. Agricultural support programmes must be well-defined and transparent to rural communities. Subsequently, for smallholders to enact their role, there should be a clear reflection of the constraints they encounter. This study sought to ascertain factors influencing the agricultural involvement of smallholders heading households in rural settlements of South Africa. The secondary data from the 2015 and 2018 General Household Survey (GHS) were utilized and retrieved from the Statistics South Africa website. SPSS software version 28 and Microsoft Excel were exploited for data analysis using the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The findings established that younger household heads are more agriculturally involved and do not have tertiary education to market occupations, particularly in the off-farm sector, where food production is their source of livelihood. This study shows that socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics play a significant role in determining agricultural involvement. Accordingly, it contends that constraints faced by small-scale food producers are urgently revisited to ensure adequate farm resources’ accessibility and support, especially for the poor youth in rural areas.
Levels and determinants of nonmarital fertility in Kenya
Background: This study sought to identify factors associated with nonmarital fertility in Kenya. Method: The study utilized a nationally representative sample of 12,777 never-married women aged 15-49 years sourced from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed a nonmarital fertility prevalence of 35.7 percent. The occurrence of nonmarital fertility exhibited statistically significant association with various factors. Woman’s current age shows a strong association with nonmarital fertility, with higher odds observed with increasing age. Cohabitation status plays a significant role, with cohabiting women having a much higher likelihood of nonmarital fertility. Educational attainment inversely affects nonmarital fertility, with higher education associated with lower odds. Household wealth status is also inversely associated with nonmarital fertility. Employment status indicates that working women have higher odds of nonmarital fertility, with household and domestic work showing particularly high odds. Religion has a significant effect with Islam associated with lower odds. The place and region of residence also influence nonmarital fertility, with rural areas having higher odds, and all regions showing lower odds compared to Nairobi. Conclusion: Nonmarital fertility is relatively high and significantly varies with the woman’s socio-demographic characteristics. The study recommends interventions to reduce nonmarital fertility and for further research to explain occupational and regional disparities in nonmarital fertility risks in the country.
The Effects of exclusive breastfeeding on child health in Chad: evidence from national representative survey data
Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the health of the infant, but there is still debate surrounding the subject in many African countries, including Chad. Non-exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life is responsible for 1.4 million deaths and 10% of the burden of disease in children under 5. This study aims to examine how EBF practice affects children's health in Chad. The data for this study is from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2019) for Chad, which covered a sample of 2229 children under six months of age. Binary logistic regression was employed to predict the effect of exclusive breastfeeding practices on both infant morbidities and nutritional adverse outcomes. The results showed that EBF was significantly associated with a reduced occurrence of diarrhea and fever: children who were exclusively breastfed were 33% and 24% less likely to suffer from diarrhea and fever, respectively, compared to those who were not exclusively breastfed. However, there was no significant association between EBF and the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) or the child's nutritional status. This suggests that EBF may be protective against these two common illnesses in young children, but further research is needed to determine if there is a definitive link between EBF and ARI or a child's nutritional status in Chad.
Women’s sexual autonomy as a determinant of misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission in Nigeria.
HIV prevention strategies have been hampered by sustained discriminatory attitudes and misconceptions about its modes of transmission. Women of low socio-economic status lack agency to resist unhealthy sexual practices with their partners. While women’s sexual autonomy has been documented to be influenced by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, little information exists on the relationship between women’s sexual autonomy and misconception about the modes of HIV transmission. Data were extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, with a weighted sample size of 21,911. The outcome variable was misconception about the modes of HIV transmission. The principal explanatory variable was women’s sexual autonomy. Data were analysed using frequency distribution and binary logistic regression model. The study revealed high sexual autonomy was associated with lower odds of misconception (aOR=0.62; C. I=0.54-0.71, p<0.001). Women with higher sexual autonomy and discriminatory attitudes had lower odds of misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission (aOR=0.66; C I=0.60-0.73, p<0.001). Low media exposure, poor wealth index, no formal education, rural residence, acceptance of wife beating, and inordinate marital control were associated with higher odds of misconception about the modes of HIV transmission. Women’s sexual autonomy influenced misconception. Empowering women could prevent their biased thoughts about the modes of HIV transmission.
Co-Wives and Co-Siblings: Does the Rank of Wives Matter in Fertility among Women in Ghana?
Fertility in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to be among the highest in the world. Studies on fertility in SSA have examined dimensions such as marital versus non-marital fertility and fertility in monogamous versus polygamous unions. Very few studies have examined variations based on wife rank. This study explores fertility variations based on wife rank among women of reproductive age in Ghana. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression techniques were used in analysing data on 8,136 women (weighted sample) aged 15-49 years who were surveyed in the 2022 Ghana Demographic Health Survey. The findings indicate that fertility varies significantly based on the rank of wives. After controlling for some proximate determinants of fertility and the socio-demographic characteristics of women and their partners, being a second and higher order wife was found to be associated with lower fertility compared to being the only wife in the union. Partners’ characteristics did not significantly predict the fertility of their spouse regardless of the rank of the wives. These findings suggest that fertility is not always higher among women in polygamous unions when the rank of co-wives is considered, as such there is the need for more focused research to aid our understanding of the underlying factors and dynamics in fertility among women in polygamous unions, especially in similar socio-cultural context where polygamy is commonly practiced.
Predictors of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights among Adolescents in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Multi-Level Analysis.
Understanding adolescents’ knowledge about Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) will help to empower them with the knowledge to make well-informed choices about their sexuality guides their decision-making and improves health outcomes. Despite this, there are limited studies related to adolescents' knowledge about SRHR in the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of SRHR knowledge and its predictors among adolescents in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2 March to 9 April 2023. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to select study participants. A Structured face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Summary statistics and graphs were used to present the data. A multilevel linear regression analysis was used to identify individual and area (contextual)-level variables. Β-estimates at 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-value of less than 0.05 were considered to declare a level of significance. The finding showed that 49.66% [95% CI (46.79, 52.53)] of adolescents had good knowledge about SRHR. The result of multilevel linear regression analysis reveals that older adolescents (β=4.29, 95% CI: 3.46 - 5.12), having history of sexual exposure (β=1.95, 95% CI: 0.87 –3.04), perceived risks for SRH problems (β=1.09, 95% CI: 0.10 - 2.07), had paid work in the last 12 months (β=2.49, 95% CI: 1.33 - 3.64), living with parents(β=1.62, 95% CI: 0.59 to 2.65), having exposure to social media in the last 12 months(β=1.73, 95% CI: 0.72 - 2.74), and short time spent to reach health facilities(β= 1.88, 95% CI: 0.90 - 2.85) were independent two-level predictors of SRHR knowledge. Therefore, to enhance adolescents' understanding of SRHR, the government, and other pertinent organizations must fortify the rights-based approach. Furthermore, it is imperative to enhance the distribution of information through social media, while enhancing job prospects for adolescents would enhance their knowledge of SRHR.
Cause specific under-five mortality rates and associated risk factors among children in northern Ghana between 2007 and 2012 using survival analysis techniques.
This study assessed the causes of under-five (U5) deaths and examined the associated risk factors in northern Ghana. The study analyzed prospectively collected longitudinal data of children born between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2012 and resident in the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NHDSS) area in northern Ghana. Data from 20,651 children were analyzed with 1,056 under-five deaths and 51,783 person-years of observation. The overall mortality rate was 19.5 per 1000 person-years of observation. The main cause of under-five deaths was malaria (19.5%). Being male (Hazards ratio [95% CI]; 1.20 [1.06 - 1.36]; p=0.004), children born to single mothers (1.3 [1.18 - 1.59]; p<0.001) and home deliveries (1.29 [1.12 - 1.48]; p<0.001) were associated with increased risk of mortality. Children born to women aged 20-34 years (0.81 [0.67 – 0.98]; p=0.0.25) were associated with relatively lower risk of death compared to those born to women aged 19 years and below. Children from high socioeconomic households had relatively lower risk of death even though not statistically significant (0.87 [0.74 - 1.03]; p=0.056). Malaria remains the leading cause of under-five deaths in the study area. Adherence to prevailing malaria prevention measures including use of insecticide treated bed-nets, seasonal chemo-prophylaxis, indoor-residual spraying and adequate access to healthcare will greatly improve child survival.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Forced migration and pressure on agro-pastoral resources in the Far-North Region Cameroon.
One of the major consequences of insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin is the massive displacement of populations towards secure territories. The influx of forced migrants is accompanied by increased exploitation of agro-pastoral resources. This is the case in the northern part of Cameroon, which since 2014 has hosted more than 100,000 refugees and 350,000 internally displaced persons, most of whom have agriculture and livestock farming as their main activities. The aim of this article is to show how forced migration contributes to the pressure on agro-pastoral resources (agricultural land, grazing land, wood resources). The study is based on field observation, supplemented by reports from organizations responsible for supervising migrants. Field surveys of a sample of 262 individuals, representative of the population under consideration were carried out in the territories of Moskota, Mozogo, Mokolo, Koza and Tokombéré bordering Bornou in Nigeria. Primary data were completed with data from the International Organization for Migration's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), and UNHCR reports on statistics relating to refugees and internally displaced people in northern Cameroon. The results of data analysis show that settlement of forced migrants has exacerbated the degradation of grazing land, forest reserves and the conflicts between farmers and breeders linked to the difficult access to agriculture plots (25% of conflicts), grazing land (58% of conflicts), water and firewood.
Determinants of Marital Instability in Ibadan, Nigeria.
The economic and social desirability of marital stability is shown by its promotion of division of labor, risk pooling, and encouragement of healthy behavior, while unstable marriages are linked to negative outcomes such as psychological and financial distress, impaired child development, and long-term health challenges. It is worth noting that, while previously high divorce rates in developed countries appear to be slowing down, the opposite might occur in developing countries. However, few studies have empirically examined the causes of marital instability in developing countries. This study sought to empirically investigate marital instability in Nigeria by focusing on its key influencing factors. The study collected data from 186 individuals in the urban and rural areas of Ibadan, the third most populous city in Nigeria, and used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate three marital states: divorce, separation, and widowhood. The results show that marriage duration, number of children, and marriage entry age have a substantial influence on marital instability. The risk of divorce follows a U-shaped pattern, with the risk falling from age 26 to 30 and rising again until age 46. Thus, addressing the causes of early and late marriage entry could improve marital stability in Nigeria.