The Levels and Socio-Demographic Factors of Fertility among Migrant and Non-Migrant Females in South Africa

Fulufhedzani Ravele
Nicole De Wet- Billings, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Within South Africa, inequalities continue to spread; these are clearly depicted by indices of maternal health care as well as inequalities in accessing health facilities. The field of fertility has been extensively researched, however a dearth in literature still exists in investigating solely the levels and socio-demographic characteristics associated with fertility among rural-urban migrant females. This study is cross-sectional, which utilises the SADHS 2016. The study population were 1 534 rural-urban migrant females (15-49 years). The outcome variable is the number of ‘children ever born’. Using Poisson regression model, this study examine the differentials in fertility levels and socio-demographic characteristics associated with fertility among rural-urban migrant females (15-49 years) in comparison to 3 455 urban natives females in South Africa. The results shows that fertility level is higher among 15-19 years migrant females. Education, marital status, and age at first birth are statistically significant predictors variables.