Individual-, Family-, and Neighborhood-Level Effects on Adolescent Childbearing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Multilevel Analysis

Ali M. Karim, Tulane University

This study investigates the effects of individual-, family-, and neighborhood-level characteristics on teenage childbearing among young Black women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using the Transitions to Adulthood Study data (2001), the study found that individual-level factors that increased the likelihood of teenage childbearing were age, early sexual debut, single-hood, lower education, secular, and not using contraceptives during first sex. Neighborhoods with comparatively higher levels of physical assets, professionals, employment rates, and education level were associated with lower rates of childbearing among girls coming from wealthier households. High levels of participation in community activities as an indicator of social capital were associated with lower levels of childbearing. However, high levels of another indicator of social capital as measured by community support and cohesion was associated with higher levels of childbearing. The individual-level factors explained the major portion of the explainable variances in childbearing. These findings have programmatic implications.