Work

Association of fertility-related attitudes and norms among adolescent wives, husbands, and mothers-in-law with wives’ fertility desires in rural Niger

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Niger has the world's highest fertility rate, with about seven children per woman, significantly impacting maternal and child health. This study examines how fertility-related attitudes and social norms affect adolescent wives' (AWs) fertility desires in rural Niger. Using data from 768 AWs (ages 15-19), their husbands, and mothers-in-law, the study employed multilevel linear regression models to analyse associations between birth spacing attitudes, social norms, and AWs' fertility desires. Results show a significant link between social norms and wives' fertility desires. Wives with pro-natalist descriptive and injunctive norms and those whose husband has pro-natalist injunctive norms have higher fertility desire. Interestingly, individual attitudes weren't directly correlated with fertility desires, suggesting social norms predominate over personal attitudes. The study further highlights that village-level descriptive norms are significantly associated with fertility desires. It underscores the need for interventions that address social contexts within communities, not just individual-level activities. The research emphasises the complexity of these norms, considering multiple perspectives, and highlights husbands' influence on wives' fertility intentions. Recommendations include community-based programs engaging various stakeholders and policy initiatives promoting women's agency and rights.

Source: Global Public Health

DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2025.2501174