| dc.description.abstract | Background: Women's education is pivotal in addressing elevated fertility rates, particularly in
developing nations. Despite declining fertility rates, Uganda sustains a high fertility rate of 6.2,
surpassing the sub-Saharan Africa regional average of 4.6. This heightened fertility poses a
significant obstacle to Uganda's sustainable development goals. This study investigates the
relationship between female education and fertility preference among Ugandan women in
2006, 2011 and 2016.
Methods: The study used data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey for 2006, 2011,
and 2016, with a sample of 6,216, 5,205, and 10,741 women, respectively. A multivariable logistic
model was utilized to establish the relationship between female education and fertility
preference.
Results: Findings revealed the existence of an inverse relationship between female education
and fertility preference over the years 2006, 2011 and 2016 (Primary OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.84;
OR=0.58, 95% CI 0.45-0.74; OR=0.70, 95% CI 0.57-086) respectively. For secondary or more
education, OR =0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.87; OR=0.56, 95%CI 0.34-0.92, OR =0.80, 95% CI 0.56-1.14)
respectively. Fertility preference is inversely related to the mother’s income status, age and
number of living children. Fertility preference is positively associated with the ideal number of
children and contraceptive use.
Conclusion: This study has shown that female education helps to manage women’s fertility
preferences. Educated women can access information and get better employment to decide on
the desired family size. The study advocates for the continued education of females to empower
them in actively shaping their desired family size. It is recommended that government efforts to
strengthen universal access to education at both primary and secondary levels. To cater for
those outside the school setting, we recommend the strengthening of programmes on sexual
reproductive health that should include an open discussion on the ideal family size. | en_US |
