UN Analysis Final.pdf - United Nations in Cambodia

6.2.1 SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Age at first marriage
The age at first marriage is linked to women’s reproductive health and maternal mortality. The average
age for first marriage in Cambodia is relatively young compared to other countries in the region (UNICEF
2005), at 20 for women and 22 for men. They are slightly higher in urban areas, 21 for females and 24 for males
(CDHS, 2005). According to CDHS 2005, the median age of first marriage for women has decreased about
half a year over the past generation.
Unplanned pregnancy
According to CDHS 2005, approximately 8 per cent of Cambodian women aged 15-19 have become mothers
or are currently pregnant with their first child. About 23 per cent of young married women have already
given birth by the age of 19 (Figure 6.1). Early childbearing is far more common in rural areas, where 8.3
per cent of 15-19 year-olds had given birth, compared to only 6.0 per cent in urban areas (CDHS 2005).
FIGURE 6-1. PERCENTAGE OF CURRENTLY MARRIED WOMEN AGED 15-19 WHO HAVE BEGUN CHILDBEARING, 2005
25
22.7
20
Percent
15
10
12.2
5
0
15
Source: CDHS 2005
2.1
6.1
Age
In geographic terms, the percentage of young married women in mountain/forest or remote regions
who have begun childbearing increased between 2000 and 2005 (Figure 6-2). The highest proportion
was found in Mondolkiri/Ratanakiri, where childbearing increased from 19.8 per cent in 2000 to 21.8
per cent in 2005. Other increases over the same period were measured in Odar Meanchey (6.5 per cent to
15.4 per cent), Preah Vihear/Steung Treng (7.1 per cent to 13.4 per cent) and Kratie (7.8 per cent to
12.9 per cent). Increases also occured in provinces within the Tonle Sap zone, including Kampong Chhnang,
Kampong Cham and Siem Reap.
Situation Analysis of Youth in Cambodia
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