Relying on Empirical Evidence to Draft and Implement Effective Adolescent Health Policies in Gabon

Abstract

This research article employs annual time series data of adolescent fertility rate for Gabon from 1960 to 2020 to predict future trends of adolescent fertility rate over the period 2021 to 2030. The study utilizes Holt’s linear exponential smoothing model. The optimal values of smoothing constants α and β are 0.9 and 0.1 respectively based on minimum MSE. The results of the study indicate that annual adolescent fertility rate will continue to decline throughout the out of sample period. Therefore, we encourage authorities in Gabon to scale up educational campaigns among communities, allocate funds for youth empowerment programs and set up youth friendly clinics that offer accessible and affordable sexual and reproductive health services. 

Country : Zimbabwe

1 Smartson. P. NYONI2 Thabani NYONI

  1. ZICHIRe Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
  2. Independent Researcher & Health Economist, Harare, Zimbabwe

IRJIET, Volume 6, Issue 12, December 2022 pp. 270-275

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2022.612051

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