The timing of a woman’s first birth is significantly associated with maternal and child health outcomes and socioeconomic opportunities. Delaying the first birth is associated with reduced risks of adolescent pregnancy complications, improved birth outcomes and enhanced interpregnancy intervals, all of which contribute to better maternal and child health. In Somaliland, early childbearing is prevalent, necessitating an understanding of its associated factors. Early childbearing, defined as a first birth before age 20, is prevalent in Somaliland, with 47.02% of women having their first birth by this age, significantly higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa (approximately 30%) and global figures.

This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with age at first birth among married women in Somaliland.

The median duration from marriage to first birth was 3 years, with a median age at first birth of 21 years. Women residing in the Sool (adjusted HR: 1.318, 95% CI 1.138 to 1.527) and Sanaag (adjusted HR: 1.265, 95% CI 1.095 to 1.462) regions had a significantly higher hazard of first birth compared with those in Awdal (reference). Conversely, women in the middle (adjusted HR: 0.821, 95% CI 0.685 to 0.985) and highest (Adjusted HR: 0.799, 95% CI 0.663 to 0.964) wealth quintiles had a significantly lower hazard of first birth compared with the lowest wealth quintile. Age at first marriage was a strong factor associated with the outcome; marrying at age 20 or older (adjusted HR: 0.699, 95% CI 0.644 to 0.759) was associated with a significantly lower hazard of first birth compared with those who married before age 20. After adjustment, other factors including residence, media exposure and husband’s employment status were not significantly associated with the timing of first birth.

Region, wealth quintile and age at first marriage are critical factors associated with first birth timing in Somaliland. Interventions should focus on addressing regional disparities and promoting delayed marriage to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the complex social and cultural drivers of these findings.