Correlates of single motherhood in sub-Saharan Africa region

Nyasha Chadoka-Mutanda, University of the Witwatersrand
Chidimma M Mbanefo, University of the Witwatersrand

Despite the increase in the number of single mother families in sub-Saharan Africa as a result of family breakdown and increasing premarital childbearing little is known about the correlates of single motherhood in this region. Using the latest Demographic and Health Surveys data of four sub-Saharan Africa countries; Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Namibia and Swaziland this study examines the correlates of single motherhood in the selected countries. The results showed that single motherhood is prevalent ranging between 27% in Congo Brazzaville and 53% in Namibia with premarital childbearing being the major cause of single motherhood in three countries except for Congo Brazzaville where separation is the leading cause of single motherhood. Correlates of single motherhood varied across countries however age at first birth and number of living children emerged as correlates of single motherhood across the four countries. Interventions should focus on alleviating negative outcomes associated with this family structure.