Dimensions of Rural-to-Urban Migration and Premarital Pregnancy in Kenya
Xu, H.; Mberu, B.U.; Goldberg, R.E.; Luke, N.
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 648(1): 104-119
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-7162 PMID: 24443586 DOI: 10.1177/0002716213480792Document Number: 574596
Rural-to urban migration is increasingly common among youth and could affect sexual activities. We use life history calendar data collected in Kisumu, Kenya, to investigate how the timing and number of rural-to-urban moves are associated with premarital pregnancy. Among sexually experienced young women aged 18-24 (N=226), 39 percent have experienced a premarital pregnancy and 60 percent experienced a move in the last 10 years. Results of the event history analysis show that those who experienced one or two moves or whose most recent move occurred in the last seven to 12 months are at increased risk of premarital pregnancy compared to nonmovers. Those whose last move occurred at age 13 or younger were also at an elevated risk. Migration brings about specific needs for youth, including the need for sexual and reproductive health education and services, which should be made available and accessible to new urban residents.