In Tanzania, Ideal Family Size Closely Resembles Actual Number of Children

Abstract

This report presents findings from an analysis of 1996 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey data. Population is expected to reach 33 million by the year 2000. In 1996 89% of men and 84% of women knew at least one modern method of contraception. Women had widespread knowledge of the pill injectable and condom. Men were familiar with the condom the pill and female sterilization. 23% of women and 26% of men had ever used a modern method. 12% of women currently used a modern method. Most women used the pill followed by the injectable. 33% of nonusers expected to use contraception in the next year. 19% of women had unmet need for contraception. The total fertility rate among women aged 15-49 years was 5.8 lifetime births/woman. Fertility was higher among rural and uneducated women. 12% of women aged 15-19 years had a first birth. Women aged 25-49 years had a median marriage age of 18.2 years. 60% of women were married; 7% were cohabiting; and 10% were widowed divorced or separated. The median age of first intercourse was 16.7 years for women aged 25-49 years and 18.1 years for men aged 25-59 years. Women desired 5.5 children while men desired 5.9. Mens ideal family size was higher than womens regardless of demographic characteristics. Both uneducated men and women had higher ideals. 27% of women and 14% of men desired a stop to childbearing. Men on the mainland were 5 times more likely to desire a stop to childbearing. Infant mortality was 88 deaths/1000 live births; child mortality was 137/1000. 18% of women were circumcised. Knowledge of AIDS was widespread.