Perceived Ideal Number of Children Among Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Exposure to Family Planning Messages Matter?

Background: Even though evidence shows that fertility transition has begun almost everywhere in sub–Saharan Africa, the decline has been slower than in other parts of the world. Researchshows that there is a positive relationship between fertility levels and desired family size. Therefore, many countries in the region are implementing family planning education campaigns targeting at influencing reproductive behaviour of women. Thus,this studyaimed at examiningthe extent to which exposure to family planning communication is associated withdesired family size in adolescencein sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: This study used data extracted fromthe most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets for 28 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Analyses were conducted on a pooled weighted sample of 87,950female adolescents’ aged 15-19 yearscaptured in respective country surveys. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted in Stata version 16 software to examine the effects of exposure to family planning communication on adolescents desired family size. Results: Findings show that regardless of the country,exposure to family planning communication among adolescentshad a significant effect on desire for fewer children. Average ideal family size among adolescents who had exposure to family planning communication was (3.8 children compared to 4.5 children;p<0.001) among those with no exposure.Marital status, wealth status, education level,contraceptive use and employment status were also significantly associated with adolescents’desiredfamily size.Country level differences were observed regarding desired family size among adolescents. Adolescents from West Africa Countries had higher desired family size. Conclusion: Exposure to family planning communication has shown the potential to influence adolescents’ fertility behavior in the region. Desire for large family size is predominantly high among adolescents from West and Central African countries. Suggesting that high fertility remains a social concern in these regions. Furthermore, the study found sub-regional variations in determinants ofdesired family size among adolescents. Calling for the need to scale-up family planning education programmes especially in West and Central Africa countries.