On Covariance Analysis in Nested Classification to Study the Fertility Differential in North-Eastern Libya

Covariance analysis with k concomitant variables in three-stage classification has been presented under usual assumption. The analytical procedure has been utilized to study the fertility variation by socio-economic status of mother nested within her occupation and education. Fertility levels are adjusted for the factors father's education, duration of breast feeding, child mortality and duration of marriage. Firat two factors have declining effects and the last two accelerate the fertility level. Mother's education is most influencing factor to reduce the number of ever born children. However, fertility level, even among educated mothers, can be increased if duration of marriage and child mortality are not reduced and period of breast feeding is not increased.