Preferred age of marriage and fertility intention of university students in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The age at marriage and fertility intentions of young adults have implications on family life and gender relations in the society. This study assessed the perceived ideal age of marriage, fertility intentions, and their predictors among undergraduates in Kano, Nigeria. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional study design, a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered on 268 undergraduates of Bayero University Kano. Summary statistics were obtained and adjusted odd ratios generated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 268 respondents, majority were males (62.7%), mostly in the 21-25 years age bracket (54.9%). The mean preferred age at marriage for males (27.0±4.0 years) was significantly older than that for females (19.8±3.2 years) (p 5) children than the female (54.0%). The predictors of preference for younger age at marriage for males were: male gender, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% CI] = 5.90 [3.2’- ‘0.87]; Islamic faith (aOR) [95% CI] = 9.22 [’.89- 45.03]; and being single (aOR) [95% CI]= 0.32 [0.‘3- 0.77]. The predictors of preference of younger age at marriage for females were: male gender, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% CI] = 3.44 [’.5’- 7.83], and being single (aOR) [95% CI] = 0.35 [0.'- 0.84]. CONCLUSION: Socio-cultural factors, especially patriarchal-related played a significant role in the timing of marriage and many of the young people desired to have many children. Information on family formation at appropriate timings with fertility education should target adolescents and young people to promote reproductive decision making.