Abstract
This study describes the dynamics of adolescent childbearing of Nicaraguan-born and Costa Rican-born adolescents in Costa
Rica and examines the association between socio-demographic factors and adolescent childbearing in the country. We studied
Nicaraguan-born and Costa Rican adolescents using the data of the 2000 Census. Multivariate logistic regression was used to
analyze the association between country of origin and adolescent childbearing, while controlling for socio-demographic factors
(age, education, union, urbanization and poverty). 26% of Nicaraguan-born migrants and 9.5% of Costa Ricans had given birth
during adolescence. The migrants’ increased odds of pregnancy decreased from 3.34 (CI 3.21, 3.48) to 1.88 (CI 1.79, 1.97)
when controlling for socio-demographic factors. Age, low educational attainment, urban residence, poverty and union were all
significant predictors of adolescent pregnancy. Nicaraguan-born status is associated with adolescent childbearing in Costa
Rica. Further research is needed to understand what factors, other than socio-demographic indicators, contribute to the differing
prevalence of adolescent childbearing in Costa Rica.
Rica and examines the association between socio-demographic factors and adolescent childbearing in the country. We studied
Nicaraguan-born and Costa Rican adolescents using the data of the 2000 Census. Multivariate logistic regression was used to
analyze the association between country of origin and adolescent childbearing, while controlling for socio-demographic factors
(age, education, union, urbanization and poverty). 26% of Nicaraguan-born migrants and 9.5% of Costa Ricans had given birth
during adolescence. The migrants’ increased odds of pregnancy decreased from 3.34 (CI 3.21, 3.48) to 1.88 (CI 1.79, 1.97)
when controlling for socio-demographic factors. Age, low educational attainment, urban residence, poverty and union were all
significant predictors of adolescent pregnancy. Nicaraguan-born status is associated with adolescent childbearing in Costa
Rica. Further research is needed to understand what factors, other than socio-demographic indicators, contribute to the differing
prevalence of adolescent childbearing in Costa Rica.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9570-6
- Authors
- Heidi Sintonen, Department of International Health, University of Tampere School of Medicine, Tampere, Finland
- Roger Enrique Bonilla-Carrión, Central American Population Center, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Per Ashorn, Department of International Health, University of Tampere School of Medicine, Tampere, Finland
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912