Applying Holt’s Linear Method in Forecasting Adolescent Fertility for Solomon Islands

Abstract

This study uses annual time series data of adolescent fertility rate for Solomon Islands 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 0.5 respectively based on minimum MSE. The results of the study indicate that annual adolescent fertility is expected to increase and remain high throughout the out of sample period. In order to reverse the projected trend of adolescent fertility, authorities in Solomon Islands should persistently enforce laws that protect sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls, promote girl child education and scale up awareness campaigns among communities in order to curb teenage pregnancy and child marriage. 

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 7, Issue 2, February 2023 pp. 349-354

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2023.702058

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