Determinants of fertility preferences among married couples in Central Uganda

Abstract

Fertility preferences are central in determining the future fertility of the society particularly where and when those desires are implemented. The socio-cultural structures in most African communities have given men the mandate to decide in all aspects of life including family sizes and fertility behaviors. Information on fertility preference in Uganda especially regarding married Couples is very scanty. This study therefore specifically sought to establish the determinant of fertility preference among married couples in Central Uganda. Data was drawn from sample size of 4,325 married couples who were asked questions on various topics including fertility preference during the 2016 UDHS. The study findings revealed that age both women and husband, number of living children, education attainment for both women and husband, region, husbands occupation, wealth quintile and religion , were significantly associated with the desire for additional children at p=0.000, p=0.00, p=0.00, p=0.00, p=0.00, p=0.00, p=0.00and p=0.002 respectively. In conclusion, fertility preference of married couples in Uganda is influenced mainly by demographic (age, Residence and Number of living children); socio-economic (education, wealth quintile and Husband’s occupation) and socio-cultural factors (religion). Recommendations: i) Education for men should be emphasized because education was discovered to have a significant negative effect on the fertility preference; ii) Policies that aim at integrating population into development should be encouraged so as to foster socio-economic development in all the regions of Uganda and hence minimize the regional disparities as it relates to fertility preferences; iii) Further studies, both qualitative and quantitative, to be carried out in order to explore the socio-cultural religious beliefs, norms and attitudes of men in regards to the value of children; v) Qualitative studies needs to be conducted in the region to find out the driving forces for glaringly high fertility preference other than low literacy level.