TABLE 5.
Odds ratios and risk differences (with standard errors) from multivariate regressions examining associations of orphanhood status and selected covariates with fertility-related behaviors among Malawian women aged 15–25
| Characteristic | Ever been married‡ | No. of children desired§ | No. of children ever born§ |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORPHANHOOD | |||
| Mother’s status | |||
| Alive (ref) | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Died in past 5 yrs. | 0.63 (0.55) | 0.52 (0.24)* | 0.13 (0.58) |
| Died >5 yrs. ago | 5.37 (0.03)* | 0.15 (0.17) | 0.26 (0.13) |
| Father’s status | |||
| Alive (ref) | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Died in past 5 yrs. | 1.97 (0.31) | 0.00 (0.14) | −0.21 (0.32) |
| Died >5 yrs. ago | 0.54 (0.24) | 0.07 (0.17) | 0.31 (0.03)* |
| COVARIATES | |||
| Age | 1.55 (0.00)*** | 0.08 (0.02)** | 0.28 (0.00)*** |
| Wealth | 0.75 (0.00)*** | −0.10 (0.03)* | 0.02 (0.53) |
| No. of living children | 13.50 (0.00)*** | 0.06 (0.03)* | na |
| Marital status | |||
| Married (ref) | na | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Never married | na | −0.08 (0.17) | −0.79 (0.00)*** |
| Divorced/separated/widowed | na | −0.61 (0.21)* | −0.11 (0.61) |
| Region | |||
| Central (ref) | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| South | 0.99 (0.97) | 0.23 (0.13) | 0.03 (0.79) |
| North | 0.40 (0.03)* | −0.04 (0.14) | −0.09 (0.54) |
| Education | |||
| None (ref) | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Primary | 0.35 (0.22) | −0.14 (0.16) | −0.52 (0.00)* |
| ≥secondary | 0.21 (0.10)† | −0.26 (0.22) | −0.87 (0.00)*** |
*
p≤.05.
**
p≤.01.
***
p≤.001.
†
p≤.10.
‡
Results reported as odds ratios.
§
Results reported as risk differences.
Notes: Sixteen respondents were excluded from analysis of number of children desired because they answered “don’t know” or “undetermined” to the relevant survey question. Regressions used in these analyses were logistic (ever been married) and ordinary least squares (remaining outcomes). ref=reference category. na=not applicable.