bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Admixture and Heterozygosity in West Alaskan Populations
Authors: Byard Pamela J. , Schanfield M. S. , Crawford Michael H.
Published: July 2008

Average heterozygosities for four communities (Savoonga and Gambell on St Lawrence Island, the King Island community now located in Nome, and Wales) are computed from blood allele frequencies. No significant relationship is found between this measure of heterozygosity and the amount of European admixture calculated from gamma globulin haplotype frequencies, indicating that forces other than European gene flow are affecting relative heterozygosity. However, within the two villages on St Lawrence Island, admixed individuals as a group have significantly higher average heterozygosity than non-admixed individuals. These results suggest that European gene flow significantly increases population heterozygosity when examined from a micro-populational or individual level, but may be obscured by other factors when several different populations are compared. This is probably because inter-village variation in admixture proportions, which range from zero to 8%, is small.
Age pattern of fertility in the Sudan
Authors: Khalifa M. A.
Published: July 2008

In the absence of reliable fertility statistics in the Sudan, estimates are based on census or sample survey data. Methods of analysis are applied which are suitable to the kind and quality of the collected information. This paper uses data provided by the World Fertility Survey of the Sudan. The number of children ever born tabulated by the duration of marriage is used to derive an estimate of the age pattern of fertility. The level of natural fertility is found to be low. However, the calculated crude birth rate is high and consistent with rates calculated by other methods using different data.
Infant and child mortality in Kuwait
Authors: Kohli K. L. , Al-Omaim Musa'ad
Published: July 2008

This paper examines the levels, trends and Kuwaiti–non-Kuwaiti differentials in stillbirth, infant and child mortality rates during the 1957–79 period. The present infant mortality rate (33 per 1000) and its component parts are high in contrast to those in more developed countries. But during the last few decades, the rates showed definite decline. The decline in infant and child mortality was rapid between 1955 and 1970 when the infant death rate was about 100 or more per thousand livebirths, but slowed after the infant mortality rates were brought down to around 50 in 1970. The large scale reduction in mortality since 1950 is closely associated with socioeconomic progress and improvements in standards of living as well as wider availability and better accessibility of health services. Kuwait is still in a position where mortality can be reduced further, provided that investment in health and education continues.
Family size and social class in nineteenth century Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Kosten M. , Mitchell R. J.
Published: July 2008

Data on fertility in a white Australian population based upon the vital records of the nineteenth century for two districts in Tasmania are presented. Mean family size was apparently low (3·2) and reproductive period short. However, when allowance was made for the truncation of birth records of migrant families, family size increased (4·9) markedly. Social class is shown to have a consistent effect on fertility levels in the larger community with low fertility associated with inferior economic status. Owing to the paucity of information contained within the vital records, it was impossible to investigate either age structure or migration effects on fertility. There is also evidence to suggest inbreeding is associated with higher, not lower, fertility.
The rapid fertility decline in Guam natives
Authors: Tung Shui-Liang
Published: July 2008

Since the end of World War II, the Guam native population, who are mostly Roman Catholics, has undergone one of the most dramatic socioeconomic developments ever recorded. They have rapidly become incorporated into the dominant American culture and economy. This accelerated process of modernization has been accompanied by a very sharp fertility decline. One reason for this decline has been the increasing defection of Guam Roman Catholic women from the traditional teaching of their Church on the subject of birth control. This trend of fertility decline, although at higher levels, resembles that of East Asian countries with rapid fertility decline.
Variations in historical natural fertility patterns and the measurement of fertility control
Authors: Hinde P. R. A. , Woods R. I.
Published: July 2008

This paper considers two main issues: the definition of Henry's concept of natural fertility, and the use of standard age-specific marital fertility schedules to measure the extent of fertility control. It suggests that regional as well as temporal variations are to be expected in the pattern of marital fertility and in consequence argues the need for a variety of standard marital fertility schedules specific to the underlying fertility conditions of the particular population under investigation. A detailed example drawn from the fertility patterns of Britain, Denmark and Sweden is presented.
Prevalence of mental disorders in Australia: some evidence from the Hospital Morbidity Collection in New South Wales
Authors: Yusuf Farhat , Sheikh M. Hamid
Published: July 2008

This study examines data from 47,238 episodes of hospitalization in New South Wales, Australia, pertaining to the patients suffering from mental disorders, i.e. those patients with a principal diagnosis coded from 290 to 315 inclusive, according to the 8th revision of the International Classification of Diseases.

An overall prevalence of nine episodes of hospitalization due to mental disorders was found per 1000 population per annum. Major disease categories were neuroses and alcoholism (each accounting for 21% of the total episodes) followed by schizophrenia (16%) and affective psychosis (11%); there were substantial differences by age, sex, marital status and ethnic origin.
Rainfall and birthweight distribution in rural Tanzania
Authors: Bantje Han , Niemeyer Rudo
Published: July 2008

Seasonal variations in birthweights over a 10-year period are compared with the local rainfall pattern in a rural area of Tanzania. Mean birthweight falls by about 60 g in the course of the rainy season. Lagged regression analysis reveals a negative impact of rainfall on birthweight after 3 months. Deviations from average rainfall show a positive correlation with birthweight after 4 months, but only in the months when rainfall is critical for food crop production. The interactions of these contrary effects are held responsible for the sudden fluctuations in mean birthweight that were observed.
Demographic structure of the migrant groups of fishermen of Puri coast, India
Authors: Reddy B. Mohan
Published: July 2008

The demographic structure of the migrant groups of fishermen living in Puri, India, is studied. Data on age, sex, birth place, endogamy, consanguinity, and reproductive histories of 1409 couples and a census of 690 households are utilized. The results suggest the existence of three breeding units within the complex, in different stages of settlement as local populations. Random genetic drift has not yet assumed any significant role in any of these populations. Childhood mortality rates are high; 22% in the Vadabalija of Penticotta, 32% in the Vadabalija of Vadapeta and 35% in the Jalary.

In almost all the components of population structure and demographic variables studied, sympatric populations with similar recent migratory histories show greater similarity than the ethnically similar groups.
Breast-feeding and sexual abstinence in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Agyei William K. A.
Published: July 2008

Data collected in Papua New Guinea between November 1979 and March 1980 show that the main reason for prolonged breast-feeding and sexual abstinence is to ensure the welfare of the mother and child (which is indirectly a means of child spacing). The mean period of breast-feeding for the rural mothers is 21·8 months and for the urban mothers is 20·7 months. The mean duration of sexual abstinence for the rural male respondents is 21·4 months and for the female is 20·2 months. The figures for their urban counterparts are 19·5 months and 16·6 months respectively.
Menarcheal age in University of Warwick students
Authors: Dann T. C. , Roberts D. F.
Published: July 2008

Following a suggestion that in Swansea students the downward trend of mean menarcheal age in Britain had ceased, data were collected on girls admitted to the University of Warwick over an 11-year period. There appears a slight increase in menarcheal age during the course of the study, similar to the upward trend seen in the latter part of the Swansea survey. This is not due to any change in the regional representation of the students, or in any of the other variables examined. Menarcheal age is not affected by father's socioeconomic status. It tends to be delayed in girls of larger families, while girls born later in a family of a given size have earlier menarche. Girls of more linear physique tend to have later menarcheal age.
Demographic and endocrinological aspects of low natural fertility in highland New Guinea
Authors: Wood James W. , Johnson Patricia L. , Campbell Kenneth L.
Published: July 2008

The Gainj of highland Papua New Guinea do not use contraception but have a total fertility rate of only 4·3 live births per woman, one of the lowest ever recorded in a natural fertility setting. From an analysis of cross-sectional demographic and endocrinological data, the causes of low reproductive output have been identified in women of this population as: late menarche and marriage, a long interval between marriage and first birth, a high probability of widowhood at later reproductive ages, low effective fecundability and prolonged lactational amenorrhoea. These are combined with near-universal marriage, a low prevalence of primary sterility and a pattern of onset of secondary sterility similar to that found in other populations. Of all the factors limiting fertility, by far the most important are those involved in birth spacing, especially lactational amenorrhoea.
Abridged life tables for Pakistan based on the 1971 Population Growth Survey
Authors: Yusuf Farhat , Hussain Mazhar
Published: July 2008

A new set of abridged life tables for Pakistan is presented. Data from the 1971 Population Growth Survey were first analysed to estimate the degree of completeness of the reporting of male and female deaths; female deaths were substantially more under-reported than male deaths. Age–sex specific mortality schedules were adjusted accordingly.

Life expectancy was around 50 years at birth, but increased by 8–9 years for those surviving the substantial risks of dying in the first year of life. No significant sex differential in mortality could be discerned from the life tables.
Family size and religious denomination in Northern Ireland
Authors: Compton Paul A. , Coward John , Wilson-Davis Keith
Published: July 2008

Some initial results from the recently conducted Northern Ireland Fertility Survey are examined with particular reference to the relationship between family size and religious denomination. While the overall average family size of Roman Catholics is still larger than that of non-Catholics, the extent of this differential is now narrowing as a result of the more rapid recent decline in the average size of Catholic families. In addition, there are variations in family size among the main Protestant denominations; a broad regional dimension to the Catholic-non-Catholic differential is also apparent. Although subsequent analyses will document these trends in greater detail, some of the main hypothesized explanatory variables are briefly discussed along with some of the socioeconomic and political implications of these recent trends.
Divorce, widowhood, remarriage and geographic mobility among women
Authors: Grundy Emily
Published: July 2008

Data from the 1971 Census records included in the OPCS Longitudinal Study were used to examine the relationship between geographic mobility and marriage termination and remarriage. Remarried women had high rates of mobility and there seemed to be a clear ‘excess’ of moves made around the time of remarriage, shortly after the end of the first marriage. There was a suggestion too of a peak in movements following widowhood but no indication of excess movement at the time of de jure divorce. The data were not adequate to allow examination of moves made at the the time of separation. Additional data from linked 1971–81 Census information showed that changes of marital status were strongly associated with changes of tenure. Other characteristics of divorced, widowed and remarried women were also examined to see how they might affect their patterns of geographic movement.
The trend of the male-female differential in various speed sports 1936–84
Authors: Dyer K. F.
Published: July 2008

The changes in the average male-female performance difference for nine running, six swimming and four skating events between the years 1936 and 1984 are examined. The data, world records and verified best performances, confirm the conclusions derived in earlier more circumscribed studies that women's performances relative to men's have improved markedly and are continuing to improve. This improvement is manifest in long and short distance events and in those in which women have been competing for a long time as much as those they have taken up recently. Regression analyses suggest that eventual equality of performance may be attained in the foreseeable future. The implications of these findings for women's sport are discussed. Women still have a more restricted programme in these three sports and many others; in particular several of the longer distance events are not open to them at Olympics, World Championships and so forth. These restrictions are obviously based on false perceptions of women's biology. With increasing participation, media exposure, training and social acceptance, women's improvements are likely to continue. The reasons for and implications of the previous incorrect scientific assessment of women's sporting potential are also discussed.
The one-child family: international patterns and their implications for the People's Republic of China
Authors: Poston Dudley L. , Yu Mei-Yu
Published: July 2008

The campaign for one-child families in the People's Republic of China has created world-wide interest. This study compares the general rates of single-child families in China and in 60 other countries and shows that China's current rate (12.5) is relatively low in comparison with some developed countries, e.g. Hungary (25.0). The mean age-specific single-child rate for 54 less developed countries shows a different pattern from that for seven developed countries; this is likely to be due to the later age of marriage and longer birth intervals of women in the developed countries.
Differential fertility in the United States, 1980: continuity or change?
Authors: Wineberg Howard , McCarthy James
Published: July 2008

This paper considers how changes in women's socio-cultural characteristics have influenced recent patterns of differential fertility in the United States and whether the convergence of fertility differentials observed up to 1970 has continued. Analysis of data from the June 1980 United States Current Population Survey, suggests that there has been no change in differential fertility in recent years. Age at first birth, length of first birth interval, income and education were all negatively associated with fertility, among both older and younger women. When fertility expectations were examined, however, the association of the independent variables with expected completed fertility was weaker among younger women, indicating that there has been some convergence in expected completed fertility. Further narrowing of differentials in actual fertility depends on how successful the younger women are in preventing future unplanned births.
Migration and fertility behaviour in England and Wales: a record linkage study
Authors: Grundy Emily
Published: July 2008

Relationships between migration and fertility are examined, using data from the OPCS Longitudinal Study of England and Wales, including linked information from the 1971 and 1981 Censuses and birth registration data for the period 1971–80. The results showed that the proportion moving between the 1971 Census and the first subsequent birth was higher among tenants than owner occupiers, particularly for women in shared accommodation in 1971. The association between tenure and moving was more consistent than the relationship between moving and the husband's social class. Differences in the proportions moving between the censuses were positively associated with fertility in the same period particularly for women in potentially crowded accommodation in 1971. Moving in 1970–71 was not associated with differences in parity progression ratios 1971–81. There were, however, differences in the timing of births, suggesting that long distance migration was associated with a postponement of the first or second child, probably because both longer distance migration and fertility behaviour are associated with other characteristics such as education.
Infant mortality in relation to internal migration in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury A. K. M. Alauddin
Published: July 2008

In Matlab thana, a rural area of Bangladesh, there is a substantial deficit of males of reproductive age owing to urban migration of males who leave their families behind. These men nevertheless return to visit their families frequently. Thirty percent of the births in this area occur to families with migrant fathers: neonatal mortality rates in these families are nearly double those of families with non-migrant fathers. This high risk, in turn, interacts with educational attainment and maternal nutrition. Only those migrant families where mothers have no education or low body weight experience high neonatal mortality rates. Psychological stress during pregnancy, probably caused by fear and anxiety related to the husband's absence may in part be responsible for such differential risk of mortality during the neonatal period.
Social change, migration and pregnancy intervals
Authors: Pool I. , Sceats J. E. , Hooper A. , Huntsman J. , Plummer E. , Prior I.
Published: July 2008

Maternity histories from residents of a Pacific Island society, Tokelau, and migrants to New Zealand, are analysed using life table techniques. Inter-cohort differentials in patterns of family formation were found in the total Tokelau-origin population. The process of accelerated timing and spacing of pregnancies was more pronounced among migrants who tended to marry later, be pregnant at marriage, have shorter inter-pregnancy intervals at lower parities and to show evidence of family limitation occurring at higher parities. These results point to the significance of changing patterns of social control on strategies of family building.
Reasons for consanguineous marriages in Japan
Authors: Imaizumi Yoko
Published: July 2008

A survey of consanguineous marriages in Japan was conducted in September 1983 using questionnaires. The number of couples studied was 9225, chosen from six widely different areas of Japan. Recommendation by parents or relatives was the most frequent reason for consanguineous marriage, for both husbands and wives, followed by knowledge of the partner by relatives.

The rate of consanguineous marriage on the recommendation of parents or relatives was higher in endogamy, arranged marriages, childhood friends, and groups in which there is external pressure for marriage. It was lower in love match marriages, school, workplace and social gatherings that give opportunities for meeting, and where there was personal marital motivation.
Cause of death in widow(er)s and spouses
Authors: Jones D. R. , Goldblatt P. O.
Published: July 2008

Many studies have suggested that following the experience of ‘stressful’ life events the risks of accidents, myocardial infarctions and other diseases are elevated. In the OPCS Longitudinal Study, routinely collected data on deaths, and deaths of a spouse occurring in a 1% sample of the population of England and Wales in the period 1971–81 are linked together, and with 1971 Census records of sample members. The timing and patterns of death following the very stressful event of conjugal bereavement may thus be analysed.

Overall the mortality of widowers was about 10% in excess of that in all males in the sample whereas that of widows was only slightly raised. Some increases in death rates shortly after widow(er)hood are observed. Unusually, these increases in all-cause mortality rates are more marked in widows than in widowers, with a two-fold increase in mortality from all causes in the first month after widowhood. Marked peaks of post-bereavement mortality from accidents and violent causes are clear in both sexes. Possible explanations for the increased mortality rates are examined.
Use of maternal–child health services and contraception in Guatemala and Panama
Authors: Warren Charles W. , Monteith Richard S. , Johnson J. Timothy , Santiso Roberto , Guerra Federico , Oberle Mark W.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents data from two recent maternal–child health (MCH) and family planning surveys in Guatemala and Panama and examines the extent to which the use of contraception is influenced by the use of MCH services as compared with the influence of an increase in parity. The findings suggest that utilization of MCH services and parity independently are associated with a woman's decision to use contraception. The study also found two groups that appear to be particularly in need of both MCH and family planning services: high parity women and Indians. In both Guatemala and Panama, improved health care services for these two groups should be a priority.
Effects of amniocentesis for genetic purposes on the pregnancy and its outcome
Authors: Davison E. V. , McIntosh A. S. , Roberts D. F.
Published: July 2008

An attempt was made to follow to completion the pregnancies of 2049 women who had amniocentesis for genetic purposes in a single hospital region in northern England. The object of the study was to establish the extent to which complications of pregnancy and fetal problems are attributable to the procedure. Follow-up was complete in 1750 women. Risks to the mother, other than minor abdominal discomfort following the amniocentesis, were minimal. The increase in complications to the pregnancy and delivery, the occurrence of congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortion, and perinatal death, that can be attributed to the procedure of anmiocentesis fall at the lower end of the range previously reported.
Fertility and some determinants of fertility decline in Huaibei Plain, Anhui province, China, 1982
Authors: Yang Quanhe
Published: July 2008

This paper examines the level and trend of fertility in Huaibei Plain, Anhui province, China, since 1950 and considers some determinants of fertility decline. The data used are from the 1/1000 survey of China which was conducted by the Family Planning Commission in 1982.

Fertility decline among younger women (aged under 30) is largely due to later age at marriage, the marriage pattern of Huaibei Plain having changed from early and universal marriage to later and universal marriage. Current use of contraception suggests that the family planning programme, in particular the one-child policy (1979), has been the major determinant in fertility decline. The greatest decline in marital fertility occurred among women aged 35+ and is primarily due to contraceptive practice and induced abortion.
Effect of nuptiality, contraception and breast-feeding on fertility in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir M. , Uddin M. Mosleh
Published: July 2008

The effects of marriage, contraception and post-partum lactational infecundability on fertility in Bangladesh are assessed by applying Bongaarts' formula to survey data for the period 1975–85.

Marriage is universal and age at marriage is low. Breast-feeding is prolonged and has a pronounced effect on fertility. The fertility-reducing effect of contraception increased over the period through increased use of modern methods. The TFR declined by 24% from 1975 to 1985.
Education, age at first birth, and the timing of fertility in the United States: recent trends
Authors: Wineberg Howard
Published: July 2008

This paper enquires whether education and age at first birth, both strongly associated with completed fertility, are related to the timing of fertility, in particular the timing of the first three births, among once married white women. Analysis of data from the June 1985 United States Current Population Survey indicates that education is related to the timing of fertility; this relationship has remained relatively constant over time. Age at first birth is associated with the timing of fertility among older but not younger women.
Age at first birth and lifetime fertility
Authors: Balakrishnan T. R. , Vaninadha Rao K. , Krotki Karol J. , Lapierre-Adamcyk Evelyne
Published: July 2008

Among a national sample of Canadian women in the Canadian National Fertility Survey of 1984, the excess cumulative fertility of those who started their families early over others has steadily decreased. A difference of approximately two births between early and late starters among older women is reduced to approximately half a child among the younger women. Except for those who start childbearing after age 25, there is little evidence of attempts to catch up after age 30, irrespective of starting age.
Mortality estimates for South Kampala based on 1980 Uganda population census
Authors: Agyei William K. A. , Nakintu-Kyeyune Grace
Published: July 2008

An analysis of the 1980 Uganda Population Census for South Kampala through indirect techniques provided estimated 1q0 values of 0·0860, 0·0680 and 0·0774 for male infants, female infants and both sexes respectively. The estimated level of 4q1 is 0·0491. The level of adult mortality, especially from age 5 to 19, is lower than infant and child mortality. There is a clear evidence of a sex differential in mortality, males experiencing higher mortality than females. Estimates of expectation of life at birth provided further evidence of sex differences in mortality. The estimated life expectation for males is 54·7 years, for females 59·3 years, and for both sexes 57·0 years.
Infant and early childhood mortality in the Sine-Saloum region of Senegal
Authors: Goldberg Howard I. , M'bodji Fara G.
Published: July 2008

Using data from a 1982–83 survey, infant and early childhood mortality are investigated in a large rural region of Senegal. Because of evidence of under-reporting of early mortality an adjustment factor was applied to the data. Infant mortality was estimated to be about 113 deaths per 1000 live births. Childhood mortality was very high relative to infant mortality. Some noteworthy differentials in mortality between geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups were recorded. It was estimated that diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases accounted for about one-half of reported deaths. Tetanus was an important cause of death during infancy. Measles and malaria were important causes only after the first birthday.
Social class differences in infant mortality: the problem of competing hypotheses
Authors: Humphrey Charlotte , Elford Jonathan
Published: July 2008

There is no agreed explanation of the social class gradient in infant mortality. The longstanding debate continues between those who favour explanations based on natural or social selection and those who stress the influence of environmental circumstances. These explanations are often presented as competing hypotheses between which it is necessary to make an absolute choice. An article which takes this approach is critically examined. It is argued that such an approach may lead to erroneous conclusions, and may divert attention away from the primary task of understanding how to bring about further improvements in the survival of infants in the manual social classes.
Predicting contraceptive use in Bangladesh: a logistic regression analysis
Authors: Chowdhury A. I. , Phillips James F.
Published: July 2008

Family planning knowledge, attitude and practice surveys typically assess respondents' reproductive attitudes and intentions to use contraception. Longitudinal observation of individual respondents nevertheless shows that such questions are not strongly predictive of subsequent behaviour. This study examines 3 years' data which show that a set of such responses to questions are nevertheless substantially superior in predicting behaviour than any single indicator. Thus statistical techniques which bring into account the apparent multidimensionality of contraceptive motivation can greatly improve upon the estimation of future practice of family planning in a population.
Child mortality differentials in Ghana: a preliminary report
Authors: Tawiah E. O.
Published: July 2008

The relationship is examined of child mortality in Ghana with six socioeconomic factors: mother's type of place of residence, education, occupation and work status, and current husband's education and occupation. Using data from the 1979–80 Ghana Fertility Survey, Trussell's marriage duration model was employed to estimate probabilities of dying at exact ages 2 and 5 in different population subgroups. The two education variables (mother's and husband's education) have the largest effect on child mortality, followed by husband's occupation and mother's occupation, in that order. In order to reduce child mortality to tolerable levels, expansion is urgently required of the medical and health services, balanced by an equal development of education, particularly of girls, help being given especially to the rural areas where the majority of the population live.
Does son preference matter?
Authors: Ali Syed Mubashir
Published: July 2008

The demand for additional children is influenced by the presence of sons within a family. This study is based on cross-sectional data of 9416 currently married women under age 50 from a Pakistan national survey in 1979–80. The analysis suggests that having at least one son in the family influences the demand for additional children. Urban and rural comparisons indicated a higher preference for sons in urban areas. Unless the socioeconomic milieu changes, son preference is likely to remain strong in Pakistan.
Biosocial correlates of asthma in a national sample of young adults
Authors: Kaplan Bernice A. , Mascie-Taylor C. G. N.
Published: July 2008

As the participants in the 1958 National Child Development Study cohort enter adulthood most of the social factors associated with onset of asthma are no longer relevant, but many of the biological factors continue to be important. There is a continuing association at age 23 between eczema, hayfever and similar allergic reactions and continuing asthma, while the earlier associated social factors including non-manual occupations, home ownership, and lack of crowding within the home or sharing of the bedroom with others in the household cease to have significant effects. Smoking patterns in this age group diverge sharply from what might be expected in those with a serious respiratory affliction: significantly more asthmatics smoke than would be expected at random.
Endogamy among the Dogon of Boni, Mali
Authors: Cazes M. H.
Published: July 2008

This paper examines factors influencing endogamy in a Dogon population in Mali. Situated in Boni district, this population of about 5000 individuals is distributed over fifteen villages located on four independent massifs. This population is strongly endogamous (only 4% of all marriages are contracted with neighbouring ethnic groups), and each massif shows high endogamy. The roles of lineage, residence in the same village, and geographical distance in mating choice are examined. These different factors are successively analysed using log-linear statistical models and the results offer a more precise interpretation of endogamy in this population.
Socioeconomic and health care determinants of child survival in Kuwait
Authors: Shah Nasra M. , Shah Makhdoom A.
Published: July 2008

This paper analyses the socioeconomic and health care determinants responsible for the decline over the last two decades in infant mortality in Kuwait. Published data and the results of a national health survey conducted in 1984–85 show the following. With the overall affluence of the society, health care in terms of immunization has improved dramatically and more than 90% of all children are covered. Of all births, 99% now occur in a hospital or clinic. About half of the mothers continue to breast-feed their babies for about 16 months. Despite these favourable conditions, differences still exist between social classes. The risk of stillbirth remains much higher among the poorer women, those without any education and those who gave birth at home. These findings are consistent with developed countries like the USA and Japan, where the social class differences in mortality still persist.
Child survival and its effect on mortality of siblings in Bangladesh
Authors: Majumder A. K.
Published: July 2008

This study of the relationship between mortality risks of siblings born to the same mother shows that, in Bangladesh, the death of the immediately preceding sibling in its infancy has a negative influence on the survival chance of the child in question in its infancy; however, death of the preceding sibling appears to have a positive influence on the index child's survival at ages 1–5 years. Similar results are found for the survival status of the two preceding siblings. Preceding birth interval length and survival status and sex of the immediately preceding sibling are also significant predictors of child mortality between ages 1 and 5 years. Possible explanations may be that the index child faces stronger competition from its immediately preceding brother than from its immediately preceding sister, or that the index child is likely to be looked after more by its preceding sister than by its preceding brother.
Vasectomy reversal in Nepal
Authors: Thapa S. , Vaidya T. M.
Published: July 2008

Data from 157 men in Nepal who had vasectomy reversal are analysed. Most sought reversal within 5 years of vasectomy. Half of the men sought reversal because of the death of a male child, and about one-fourth because of the loss of a female child. Re-marriage was the primary reason for only 10% of the men. Those having reversal because of the loss of a male child were generally younger, and for almost half of this group, the age of their last child at the time of their vasectomy was under 2 years. The results suggest that the demand for reversal could be considerably reduced by more careful screening of the potential vasectomy acceptors.
The desire for children in tropical Africa: the influence of relatives on fertility decisions in Ankole, Uganda
Authors: Ntozi James P. M.
Published: July 2008

In a survey in Ankole (Uganda) in 1985, 1664 women in samples of the three socioeconomic groups (pastoralists, cultivators and mixed farmers) were asked questions on their reproductive history, and 1029 men questions on educational and wedding costs and their expectations of help from relatives and obligations to help relatives. It is shown that the extended family system allows a great deal of mutual support, while the power of the elders allows them to influence younger married relatives to follow the pronatalist traditions of the society.
Demographic and socioeconomic factors affecting infant mortality in Egypt
Authors: Aly Hassan Y.
Published: July 2008

This paper analyses the relative importance of demographic and socioeconomic factors with respect to their role in reducing infant mortality in Egypt.

Logit analyses of data from a nationally representative sample of Egyptian households, and for urban and rural households separately, indicate that demographic factors have more effect on infant mortality than socioeconomic factors. The results also show the need to improve housing in urban areas and sewerage systems in rural areas in order to reduce infant mortality. One of the most important policy conclusions, however, concerns the importance of providing a vigorous educational campaign to enlighten mothers and prospective mothers in both rural and urban areas on the positive effects of breast-feeding, longer birth intervals, and fewer children on the survival of infants.
A comparison of different sources of information about pregnancy and childbirth
Authors: Oakley Ann , Rajan Lynda , Robertson Penrose
Published: July 2008

Different methods of obtaining information in medical and social research present problems of interpretation for the researcher. However, there are few systematic studies on the extent of the lack of concordance yielded by different methods. This paper uses data from a randomized controlled trial of social support in pregnancy to examine this issue in relation to three methods of data collection—medical records, home interviews and a postal questionnaire—on the following topics: obstetric history; smoking, alcohol use, number of antenatal hospital visits, bleeding and depression in pregnancy; length of labour; baby's sex, birthweight and neonatal health problems; and ethnicity. Considerable discrepancies are found comparing the different data sources. These suggest that mothers may be more reliable sources of information than medical records, and that the anonymity of a postal questionnaire may provide higher estimates than home interviews on some sensitive topics, such as smoking in pregnancy.
Anthropometric indicators of children's nutrition in two Nigerian communities
Authors: Ebomoyi E.W. , Wickremasinghe A.R. , Cherry Flora F.
Published: July 2008

On a sample of some 2000 children living in two ecologically different zones (the Wooded and Guinea savanna) in Kwara state, Nigeria, body measurements were taken, to serve as indicators of the state of nutrition. There was more undernutrition in the Guinea savanna than in the Wooded. More males than females were undernourished in the Guinea savanna but not in the Wooded. It is argued that the differences between districts stem from social and cultural variables.
Intervals between marriage and first birth in mothers and daughters
Authors: Desjardins Bertrand , Bideau Alain , Heyer Evelyne , Brunet Guy
Published: July 2008

Marriage-first birth intervals are examined in two historical populations, Quebec (1608–1765) and Haut-Jura (1689–1980), comparing intervals in mothers and daughters, and in sister-sister pairs. The results point to a weak relationship between intervals of mothers and daughters, though it does not attain significance. Shared environment does not seem to be responsible since there is no association between pairs of sisters from the same populations.
The relationship between sociodemographic variables and pregnancy loss in a rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Mostafa G. , Wojtyniak B. , Fauveau V. , Bhuiyan A.
Published: July 2008

This study examines the relationship between eight socio-demographic variables and the risk of pregnancy loss in a rural area of Bangladesh. The risks of spontaneous miscarriage and stillbirth were significantly associated with maternal age, pregnancy order and previous pregnancy wastage.
Maternal and infant demographics and health status: a comparison of Black, Caucasian, and Hispanic families
Authors: Langlois Judith H. , Ritter Jean M. , Casey Rita J.
Published: July 2008

The relationships among ethnicity, demographics, smoking and drinking habits, and maternal and infant health were examined in a sample of 171 low-income and low-risk Black, Caucasian, and Hispanic families. Few ethnic differences in the health status of the mothers and their infants emerged when ethnic differences were directly examined; however, a latent variable analysis indicated that ethnicity was related to smoking and drinking habits such that Caucasian mothers were more likely to smoke and drink. Smoking and drinking, in turn, led to smaller infant size at birth. Demographic differences found in level of income, education, and family composition suggest that low-income families are not necessarily homogeneous.
Voluntary sterilisation among Canadian women
Authors: De Wit Margaret , Rajulton Fernando
Published: July 2008

Using data from the 1984 Canadian Fertility Survey, proportional hazards modelling was employed to determine factors associated with the likelihood of voluntary sterilisation among 5315 women of childbearing age, and the trends in timing and differences in the likelihood associated with different age cohorts. Multivariate analysis suggests that educational attainment, parity and duration since last birth at the time of sterilisation, religious commitment, province of residence and marital status at the time of sterilisation, are all important predictors. Education and parity attainment emerged as the best predictors of the timing of voluntary sterilisation in all age cohorts, but the contribution of other covariates varies between cohorts.
Predicting alcohol use by adolescent males
Authors: Udry J. Richard
Published: July 2008

An attempt was made to predict alcohol use among 101 American white boys aged 13–16. The model combined genetic and social variables. The analysis revealed evidence of a genotype–environment interaction and thus the use of either the biological or social variables alone poorly predicts alcohol use.
Birth weight and other determinants of infant and child mortality in three provinces of China
Authors: Dankert G. , van Ginneken J.
Published: July 2008

Information on levels, trends and determinants of infant and child mortality was available from the 1985 In-depth Fertility Survey which was conducted in three provinces of China. Mortality of children below age 5 varied from 49 per 1000 live births in Shaanxi to 20 in Shanghai in 1980–85 and has declined substantially since 1960, from 206 in Shaanxi and 66 in Shanghai. Male mortality was considerably higher than female mortality in the neonatal and post-neonatal period, and at ages 1–5 years. Birth weight, place of residence and mother's education were found to be important determinants of mortality; age of mother and parity were less important.
Relationships of desire for no more children and socioeconomic and demographic factors in Sri Lankan women
Authors: De Silva W. I.
Published: July 2008

Data from the 1982 Sri Lanka Contraceptive Prevalence Survey are used to identify women who wish to stop childbearing; they differ in socioeconomic status from their counterparts who want more children. Educated women are more likely to be motivated to cease childbearing than non-educated women; Christian or Sinhalese/Buddhist women are more willing to stop childbearing than Moor/Muslim or Tamil/Hindu women. The relationships between sex composition of existing children and women's fertility desires indicate that although moderate son preference exists it does not affect their contraceptive behaviour. Among those who want no more children, 15% are at risk of unwanted pregnancy because they do not practise contraception. Again better education and being Christian or Sinhalese/Buddhist reduced the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Women whose husbands disapproved of contraception had over four times higher risk of unwanted pregnancy than women whose husbands approved.
Breast-feeding patterns, maternal milk output and lactational infecundity
Authors: Lunn Peter G.
Published: July 2008

Whilst it is generally accepted that breast-feeding lowers the likelihood of conception, this relationship is not straightforward and there appears to be a wide variation in the effectiveness of the association between individual mother-infant pairs. Up to about 6 months post-partum breast-feeding probably can be used as a family planning method, with up to 98% effectiveness if behavioural guidelines are adhered to (Consensus, 1988). But beyond this time significant variations appear between different countries, and even different communities within countries, which make any overall recommendation impossible. To understand the reasons for variation in the duration of lactational infecundity it is necessary to understand the mechanisms involved, but knowledge of these processes is still far from complete. There are, nevertheless, enough data to indicate that suckling and maternal milk output are intimately linked with the return of fecundity.
The assessment of total energy expenditure of female farmers under field conditions
Authors: Brun Thierry
Published: July 2008

The paper reviews methods, and their difficulties, in the measurement of the daily energy expenditure of rural women under field conditions in developing countries. Since all methods need to be validated against a reference method which is usually based on indirect calorimetry, examples of the use of this technique are given. The energy costs of most agricultural and daily tasks of rural women in developing countries have been measured. Large intra- and inter-individual variations in the cost of a single activity occur, so repeated measurements are needed to obtain a valid mean energy cost for a specific activity for a homogeneous group of individuals.

Much work remains to be done on the assessment of the duration and the intensity of the physical activity of the rural adolescent and adult female population. Studies indicate that the workload of most rural women in developing countries is excessive and frequently associated with acute poverty.
Studies on perceived breast-milk insufficiency: relation to attitude and practice
Authors: Hillervik-Lindquist Charlotte
Published: July 2008

Fifty-one mother-infant pairs were followed prospectively by home visits and telephone contacts during the first 6 months post-partum. Comparisons between mothers who experienced lactation crises because of perceived breast-milk insufficiency (crisis group) and those who did not (non-crisis group) revealed differences in attitudes to breast-feeding, breast-feeding behaviour and sexual life. The crisis group tended to initiate breast-feeding for infant-related reasons more frequently than the non-crisis group, which more frequently gave mother-related reasons. During the course of breastfeeding attitude changes in a negative direction were significantly more common in the crisis group. No difference was found between the groups in the resumption of sexual life, but 59% of all the women claimed that they experienced less or no desire compared to before pregnancy and, of these, a significantly higher proportion belonged to the crisis group.
Cognitive and educational attainment in different ethnic groups
Authors: West A. M. , Mackintosh N. J. , Mascie-Taylor C. G. N.
Published: July 2008

The educational attainment of over 2000 children aged 7–15 years from six different ethnic groups was assessed. Children of Pakistani and of Bangladeshi origin tended to obtain the lowest mean scores on all tests, often well below those of West Indian children, who tended to perform as well as Indian children and often no worse than the indigenous majority. There were few signs of any reliable trends over age. Differences were more pronounced on tests of reading and vocabulary than on tests of mathematics but, on tests of non-verbal reasoning, most ethnic minorities also obtained low scores. Many of these differences were associated with differences in social and family circumstances.
Men and family planning in Zambia
Authors: Pillai Vijayan K.
Published: July 2008

This paper examines the sociodemographic factors which influence familiarity with methods of family planning among 85 males holding low paying jobs in the University of Zambia, Lusaka. The results showed that wife's education had a significant and positive effect on husband's familiarity with family planning methods. In the longer term, female education is likely to emerge as an important factor in the onset of fertility decline in Zambia.