Tracking Future Trends of Adolescent Fertility for St Vincent and the Grenadines Using Holt’s Linear Method

Abstract

This research paper uses annual time series data of adolescent fertility rate for St Vincent and the Grenadines 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 0.4 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 the country to enforce laws that safeguard sexual and reproductive health rights of women, promote girl child education and provide accessible and affordable adolescent 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 7, Issue 2, February 2023 pp. 389-394

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2023.702065

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