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Trends and correlates of single motherhood in Kenya: Results from the Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Muthuri, Stella K.; Oyolola, Maharouf; and Faye, Cheikh
Source: Health Care for Women International, 38(1):38-54; DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2016.1245306
Topic(s): Women's status
Country: Africa
  Kenya
Published: JAN 2017
Abstract: Single motherhood exposes women to poorer socioeconomic and health outcomes, which may also negatively impact child outcomes. The Demographic and Health Surveys of 1989, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2009 were used to investigate trends over time and factors associated with single motherhood in Kenya. Urban residence, older age, and poorer economic status were associated with single motherhood over time. Women with more than one child, and those with children under 15 years living at home were less likely to be single mothers. As women become single mothers at different stages, targeted and supportive strategies are required to mitigate associated risks.