Orphanhood and teenage childbearing in South Africa: findings from the 2011 census

Johan Sibiya, Statistics South Africa

South Africa has one of the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the world and as a result tens of thousands of young people experience parental bereavement. A parental death has a profound impact on children and young adults, leading to researchers to emphasize on the adverse outcomes of orphanhood. Using the most recent Census data this study examines the association between orphanhood and teenage childbearing. The results show that all types of orphaned teenage girls (maternal AOR=1.14; paternal AOR=1.27; double-orphan AOR=1.21) were more likely to give birth compared to their non-orphaned counterparts and orphanhood was statistically significant at P=0.05. However, multiple factors contributing to teenage childbearing in addition to orphanhood have been identified, these include: population group, marital status, school attendance and type of place of residence. Therefore, a multi-faceted sex and reproductive approach is needed at a very young age to address and thus reduce teenage childbearing in South Africa.