Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors Affecting Age at First Birth Among Tribal Women in India: An NFHS-5 Analysis

The tribal population in India faces unique socioeconomic challenges and health disparities, which significantly impact their reproductive health outcomes. The age at first birth is a critical determinant of maternal and child health, educational attainment, and economic stability, yet limited research has focused on tribal women, a marginalized group with distinct cultural and socioeconomic contexts. This study aims to identify the sociodemographic factors influencing the age at first birth among tribal women in India. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-2021), logistic regression analysis was employed to examine key predictors, including education, wealth, marital status, health facility accessibility, and media exposure. The findings reveal that higher education levels, greater household wealth, and media exposure are significantly associated with delayed first births. For instance, women with secondary or higher education are more likely to delay their first birth compared to those with no education. Similarly, mothers from middle and rich households are more likely to have their first birth after the age of 18 compared to those from poor households. Media exposure, particularly reading newspapers at least once a week, also increases the likelihood of delaying first birth. These findings highlight significant sociodemographic disparities and underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to improve reproductive health outcomes among tribal women. The study concludes that enhancing education, economic conditions, and access to media and health facilities can play a pivotal role in delaying the age at first birth, thereby promoting better maternal and child health in this marginalized population.