The author then studies to what extent the various progression ratios are an echo of the trends in population policies which are supposed to affect the fertility in various countries. It would appear that the fertility response to a change in policy has been spectacular, but never long-lasting. The author concludes that the population policies of Europe's Marxist regimes have not been successful in maintaining or increasing fertility to above the generation replacement level. The authors undertook an exploratory study on the determinants of the differences in health status and the probability of consulting a doctor, amongst males and females of economically active age and in various contexts. A survey on a representative sample of urban and rural population enabled an interrogation of 1,649 males and 1,759 females aged between 20 and 59.
Age also introduces considerable differences which decline in the higher social classes.
The article describes some of the interrelations between the various determinants. The author summarises the preliminary results of a survey undertaken in Paszto from January 1st to December 31st, 1989. Almost two-thirds of migrant families contain children which indicates that the presence of a child or children in a family can be a factor leading to migration.