Adolescent Childbearing in Bangladesh: Levels, Trends, and Determinants of Timing of First Birth

Quamrun Nahar, University of Hawaii at Honolulu
Hosik Min, University of Hawaii at Honolulu

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the levels, trends, and determinants of adolescent childbearing in Bangladesh. In particular, it focuses on regional variations in the levels and trends of adolescent childbearing and examines factors explaining these variations. The analysis is based on four rounds of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data collected during 1993-1994, 1996-1997, 1999-2000, and 2004. Discrete-time multilevel hazard models will be used to estimate the probability of having a first birth. Important independent variables that are included in the analysis are: place of residence, geographic location, religion, education, occupation, household economic status, exposure to mass media, use of contraception, and discussion about family planning methods with husbands. The paper will help to identify cardinal factors affecting adolescent childbearing in Bangladesh, and will assist in formulating policy recommendations to reduce adolescent childbearing in the country, which is one of the highest in the world.