How to Utilize the Double Exponential Smoothing Technique to Develop Effective Adolescent Health Policies to Address Teenage Pregnancy and Child Births in Jamaica

Abstract

This research article uses annual time series data of adolescent fertility rate for Jamaica 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 will continue to decline throughout the out of sample period. Therefore, we encourage policy makers in Jamaica to set up more adolescent friendly clinics, continuously promote empowerment of women and girls and enforce laws that protect the rights of women and girls.

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. 135-140

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2023.702021

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