Projecting Adolescent Fertility for St Lucia Using Holt’s Linear Method

Abstract

This study uses annual time series data of adolescent fertility rate for St Lucia 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 0.3 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 authorities in St Lucia to focus on protecting sexual and reproductive health rights of adolescent girls and women and strictly enforce laws to stop sexual abuse of women 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. 383-388

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2023.702064

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