Women and Paternity Fraud in Jamaica: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Paternity fraud, defined as the intentional or unintentional misidentification of a child’s biological father, has remained a largely hidden but socially impactful issue in Jamaica. This meta-analysis investigates the prevalence, causes, effects, and systemic dynamics of paternity fraud perpetrated by or involving Jamaican women. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 36 empirical studies and grey literature sources from 1980 to 2024 were systematically reviewed and analysed. Using a combination of fixed-effects and random-effects models, the pooled prevalence of paternity fraud in Jamaica was estimated to be 23% (95% CI: 17%-29%), revealing significant heterogeneity across parishes, socioeconomic groups, and periods. Motivations for fraudulent declarations of paternity included economic survival, male partner preference, social acceptance, family pressure, and fear of abandonment. Thematic synthesis also revealed deep-rooted issues of gender inequality, limited access to reproductive justice, and cultural expectations surrounding motherhood. Subgroup analyses showed higher paternity fraud rates in urban, low-income settings, especially among women aged 18-29. Legal and psychological consequences extended beyond fathers, influencing children’s identity and mothers’ emotional well-being. Policy recommendations include institutionalising mandatory paternity testing in legal paternity claims, improving public education on reproductive ethics, and providing psychosocial support for families affected by misattributed paternity. This study contributes to the under-researched discourse on women’s agency, deception, and vulnerability within the context of Caribbean family dynamics.