A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Early Fertility, Knowledge and Behaviors among Indigenous Young Women in Guatemala

Despite that Guatemala has health inequality among non-indigenous and indigenous women, adolescent fertility been scarcely studied. This study investigates the mechanism of early women aged 20-29 using data from Guatemalan Demographic Health Survey 2014–2015 (N=8,110). Partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis (PLS-SEM) were conducted in urban area (UI) or rural (RI) (RN) to examine associations between socioeconomic variables, mediators (knowledge attitudes toward pregnancy prevention) an outcome (early fertility). Results showed geographical difference had stronger influence than ethnicity. Early RI is influenced by more factors UI RI, such as media exposure, knowledge on prevention, contraceptive use, addition education risky sexual behaviors. Having better methods did not reduce Further discussion elaboration variables measuring actual decision-making related behaviors are suggested.