1.  Title: Family planning and the MDGs: Saving lives, saving resources. Author: Futures Group International. Health Policy Initiative Source: Washington, D.C., Futures Group International, Health Policy Initiative, 2009 Jun. 8 p. Abstract: The USAID | Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1, has completed and updated analyses for more than 30 countries that demonstrate the significant contribution of family planning (FP) to achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Family planning helps to improve health outcomes (e.g., fewer maternal and child deaths) and reduce costs for meeting the MDGs (by reducing the size of the target populations in need of services). This case study describes the FP-MDG analysis methodology and provides examples of how the findings have been used to support advocacy and policy change. Briefs on country-specific findings are also available online. The FP-MDG analyses and briefs are flexible, evidenced-based tools that help make the case that family planning is a strong complement to -- rather than a trade-off with -- other health, development, and poverty-reduction efforts. By showing the economic benefits of investing in family planning, the FP-MDG analyses and briefs can also reach diverse audiences that might not traditionally champion FP issues. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | SUMMARY REPORT | WOMEN | FAMILY PLANNING | NEEDS | PREGNANCY, UNPLANNED | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | HEALTH SERVICES | POVERTY | MALARIA | DISEASE PREVENTION | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Prevention and Control Document Number: 331540 |
| 2. Title: The relationship of family size and composition to fertility desires, contraceptive adoption and method choice in South Asia. Author: Jayaraman A; Mishra V; Arnold F Source: International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2009 Mar;35(1):29-38. Abstract: CONTEXT: Many countries in South Asia, including Nepal, India and Bangladesh, demonstrate a strong cultural preference for sons, which may influence fertility desires and contraceptive use. METHODS: Demographic and Health Survey data from married, nonpregnant women aged 15-49 who had at least one child were used to examine the relationship of parity and number of sons to reproductive outcomes in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Outcomes of interest were desire for another child, contraceptive use and type of contraceptive (modern vs. traditional, temporary vs. permanent). Odds ratios and relative risk ratios were calculated using binary and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: In general, desire for another child decreased and contraceptive use increased as the number of children and number of sons increased. These associations were more prominent in Nepal and India than in Bangladesh. For example, compared with women who had three daughters and no sons, the odds of contraceptive use among women with two sons and one daughter were 4.8 in Nepal, 3.5 in India and 2.0 in Bangladesh. Within India, the associations of parity and number of sons with reproductive outcomes were generally stronger in northern states than in South India or West Bengal. CONCLUSIONS: Son preference remains widespread in all three countries and has a major influence on reproductive behavior. Reducing such preference would require a change in social norms and attitudes of the people and an improvement of the status of women. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ASIA, SOUTHERN | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | SONS | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | Asia | Developing Countries | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Size | Fertility | Contraception | Family Planning Document Number: 315243 |
3.  Peer Reviewed Title: The role of biological fertility in predicting family size. Author: Joffe M; Key J; Best N; Jensen TK; Keiding N Source: Human Reproduction. 2009 Aug;24(8):1999-2006. Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is plausible that a couple's ability to achieve the desired number of children is limited by biological fertility, especially if childbearing is postponed. Family size has declined and semen quality may have deteriorated in much of Europe, although studies have found an increase rather than a decrease in couple fertility. METHODS: Using four high-quality European datasets, we took the reported time to pregnancy (TTP) as the predictor variable; births reported as following contraceptive failure were an additional category. The outcome variable was final or near-final family size. Potential confounders were maternal age when unprotected sex began prior to the first birth, and maternal smoking. Desired family size was available in only one of the datasets. RESULTS: Couples with a TTP of at least 12 months tended to have smaller families, with odds ratios for the risk of not having a second child approximately 1.8, and for the risk of not having a third child approximately 1.6. Below 12 months no association was observed. Findings were generally consistent across datasets. There was also a more than 2-fold risk of not achieving the desired family size if TTP was 12 months or more for the first child. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the available data quality, family size appears to be predicted by biological fertility, even after adjustment for maternal age, if the woman was at least 20 years old when the couple's first attempt at conception started. The contribution of behavioural factors to this result also needs to be investigated. Language: English Keywords: EUROPE | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | STATISTICAL STUDIES | COUPLES | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | FAMILY SIZE, COMPLETED | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FIRST PREGNANCY INTERVALS | CONTRACEPTION FAILURE | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | MATERNAL AGE | TOBACCO USE | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Pregnancy Intervals | Fertility Measurements | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Parental Age | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Behavior Document Number: 342795 |
| 4. Title: Mid-term assessment of social marketing program (2003-2008). Author: Anjum Asim Shahid Rahman Chartered Accountants Source: Islamabad, Pakistan, Anjum Asim Shahid Rahman Chartered Accountants, 2008. [156] p. Abstract: USAID is collaborating with DFID and UNFPA to support the Social Marketing program in Pakistan. This is through two programs, Greenstar Social Marketing (GS) and Key Social Marketing (KSM). USAID is providing $50 million over five years, 2003-2008, for marketing support, while DFID and UNFPA are providing $18 million to provide commodities to Greenstar Social Marketing (GS). USAID marketing support is divided between two social marketing organisations, $27m to KSM and $23m to GS. The goal of SM program is to increase contraceptive usage as measured by CYPs. The Government of Pakistan (GoP) aims to increase the modern method contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) to 35% by the end of the project, and the share provided by social marketing is expected to rise from 33% in 2003 to 45% by 2008. The two social marketing programs are now supporting 17 brands of OCs, condoms, injectables, EC and IUDs. GS markets condoms, oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptive, IUDs and 3 types of injectables. there is a need from a health perspective to more heavily promote the use of short term contraceptive methods to encourage birth spacing among married women at an earlier age. Although the SM organizations have been promoting their brands with messages which address this issue, it needs a concerted effort by GS, KSM and GoP to promote the concept of birth spacing, as opposed to long-term methods which limit family size. This should form the thrust of a generic campaign, as well as both organisations promoting their branded products. (Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: PAKISTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | COUPLES | CURRENTLY MARRIED | DECISION MAKING | INFORMATION | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | COUNSELING | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | PROGRAM EVALUATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Family Size | Health Services Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Family Planning Document Number: 331609 |
| 5. Title: Fertility behavior in Armenia and Moldova: the decline during the post-Soviet transition and current preferences. Author: Billingsley S Source: Calverton, Maryland, Macro International, MEASURE DHS, 2008 Jul. 45 p. (USAID Contract No. GPO-C-00-03-00002-00DHS Working Papers No. 45) Abstract: In the context of a fertility decline across the countries of the former Eastern bloc, this paper analyzes the fertility decline in Armenia and Moldova using 2005 Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) data. Easterlin's (1976) hypothesis about the negative impact on fertility of reducing living standards is contrasted with Becker's (1981) theory of opportunity costs. If Easterlin's hypothesis is true, we would expect to see women with lower resources suppress fertility because of the hardships brought on by the economic transition, especially for those with fewer marketable skills. Conversely, if Becker's theory is correct, opportunity costs would lead women with the highest earning potential to suppress their fertility. Specifically, the extent of parity declines is analyzed during the transition from Communism, with special attention given to identifying women for whom parity declines are greater. The conditions under which women currently want children are also analyzed to determine if a relationship exists between economic conditions and the desire for another child or the desired timing of childbirth. Since 1986, parity progression ratios have declined more for women with vocational education than for women with higher education or secondary education only. Logistic analyses of current fertility preferences suggest that women who are employed are more likely to want a second birth in both countries, whereas the wealthiest women in Armenia have higher odds of wanting a third birth. Armenian women have higher odds of wanting to postpone the next birth if their partners are unemployed, whereas Moldovan women who are employed prefer to postpone their next childbirth. Language: English Keywords: ARMENIA | MOLDOVA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | SEXUAL PARTNERS | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | FERTILITY DECLINE | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | STANDARD OF LIVING | MICROECONOMIC FACTORS | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | UNEMPLOYMENT | Asia, Southwestern | Asia | Developing Countries | Europe, Eastern | Europe | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Economic Factors | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Fertility | Fertility Changes | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Employment | Macroeconomic Factors Document Number: 329537 |
| 6. Title: Health reform, population policy and child nutritional status in China. Author: Bredenkamp C Source: Washington, D.C., World Bank, Human Development Network, Health, Nutrition and Population Department, 2008 Apr. 21 p. (Policy Research Working Paper No. 4587) Abstract: This paper examines the determinants of child nutritional status in seven provinces of China during the 1990s, focusing specifically on the role of two areas of public policy, namely health system reforms and the one child policy. The empirical relationship between income and nutritional status, and the extent to which that relationship is mediated by access to quality healthcare and being an only-child, is investigated using ordinary least squares, random effects, fixed effects, and instrumental variables models. In the preferred model - a fixed effects model where income is instrumented - the author find that being an only-child increases height-for-age z-scores by 0.119 of a standard deviation. The magnitude of this effect is found to be largely gender and income neutral. By contrast, access to quality healthcare and income is not found to be significantly associated with improved nutritional status in the preferred model. Data are drawn from four waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey.(author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | EVALUATION INDEXES | HEALTH SURVEYS | NUTRITION SURVEYS | ONLY CHILD | ONE CHILD POLICY | CHILD NUTRITION | HEALTH POLICY | INCOME | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | NUTRITION INDEXES | BODY HEIGHT | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Health | Nutrition | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Antinatalist Policy | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 326307 |
| 7. Peer Reviewed Title: Fertility-limiting behavior and contraceptive choice among men in Nepal. Author: Dahal GP; Padmadas SS; Hinde PR Source: International Family Planning Perspectives. 2008 Mar;34(1):6-14. Abstract: Contraceptive choices among men who want no more children have been little explored in South Asia, particularly in Nepal, where fertility rates have remained high over the last few decades. Using the 2001 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey couple data set, multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted for 1,041 married men aged 20 or older who had at least one living child and wanted no more children. Regression models examined relationships between selected characteristics and men's reported contraceptive use, and predicted probabilities were estimated to assess interactions between ecological zone, family composition and method choice. The primary goal was to determine whether the number and sex of living children influenced contraceptive use. Twenty-four percent of men who wanted no more children were not using any contraceptive method at the time of the survey, 30% reported that their wives were sterilized, 12% had had a vasectomy, 7% were using condoms and 27% used other temporary methods. The probability of relying on permanent methods was highest among men who had at least two living sons and lowest among those who had only daughters, while the probability of using no method was highest among those who had only daughters. In Nepal, men who report a desire to have no more children are likely to choose permanent methods only after they have two living sons. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NEPAL | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | MEN | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | SONS | MEN'S INVOLVEMENT | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraception | Family Planning | Fertility | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Relationships | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 326103 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: Male fertility control -- where are the men? Author: Darroch JE Source: Contraception. 2008 Oct;78(4 Suppl 1):S7-S17. Abstract: Control over the timing and number of children continues to be a challenge for many men and women today. While some men are contraceptive users today, current method options are limited. Evidence indicates that many men would welcome more method options, to meet their own needs and goals and to provide a way for them to participate in contraception in a more collaborative way with their partner. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | ATTITUDES | CRITIQUE | HISTORICAL REVIEW | MALE CONTRACEPTION | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, MALE | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | MEN | HUSBAND-WIFE COMMUNICATION | PARTNER COMMUNICATION | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | VASECTOMY | FAMILY PLANNING DISCONTINUERS | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Demographic Factors | Population | Interpersonal Relations | Male Sterilization | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning Programs Document Number: 328206 |
| 9. Peer Reviewed Title: Germany: Family diversity with low actual and desired fertility. Author: Dorbritz J Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Jul 1;19(17):557-598. Abstract: Germany is a low-fertility country with a rapidly ageing population, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. There are several reasons for this trend. Germany is among the countries with the highest rates of childlessness in the world, and childlessness has become widely accepted. This is illustrated by changes in living arrangements. A broad range of living arrangements has been added to the basic model of marriage with children; namely, single living, non-marital cohabitation, lone parenthood, patchwork families and living apart together. A culture of individualism has spread in Germany which forms the basis for widespread decisions against family formation. The desired number of children has become low and family policy is considered to be a failure in terms of its influence on fertility. German family policy has had a traditional orientation centred on monetary support to families and on the promotion of the male breadwinner model. Women have been largely forced to choose between familyand work, and leave the labour market when a child is born. The still prevailing concept of family policy does not help to reduce the pressure to choose between work and family life, and thus makes it easier to decide not to have children, especially for highly educated women. A change in family policy is needed which will enable couples to choose between the breadwinner-housewife and the reconciliation model. Gradually, this change is starting to take place. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | LOW FERTILITY POPULATION | NULLIPARITY | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS | GENDER RELATIONS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parity | Fertility Measurements | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Gender Issues Document Number: 327725 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: The path to replacement fertility in Egypt: Acceptance, preference, and achievement. Author: El-Zeini LO Source: Studies in Family Planning. 2008 Sep;39(3):161-176. Abstract: This study draws upon data from the 2004 Slow Fertility Transition survey, a follow-up to the 2003 Egypt Interim Demographic and Health Survey, to investigate obstacles to achieving replacement fertility. To account for the likelihood of embracing the two-child ideal, the analysis adopts a framework with the acronym APA: Acceptance of the two-child ideal, Preference for that ideal, and Achievement of that preference. The framework posits a hierarchy among the three and hypothesizes that each depends on a set of factors, including gender stratification, economic expectations, perception of the costs and benefits of having children, and the costs of fertility regulation. The results indicate that son preference and the perceived low cost of childrearing are major obstacles to the acceptance of the two-child family. Son preference, other discriminatory gender attitudes, optimistic economic expectations, and fear of contraceptive side effects are associated with a low preference for and ambivalence about having only two children. Given a decisive preference, lower socioeconomic status and strong son preference are the major obstacles to the achievement of the two-child ideal. (author's) Language: English Keywords: EGYPT | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | POPULATION REPLACEMENT | FAMILY SIZE, IDEAL | CHILD WORTH | PERCEPTION | SEX PREFERENCE | FEMALE ROLE | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | Developing Countries | Africa, North | Africa | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Microeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Value Orientation | Social Behavior | Fertility | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 328153 |
| 11. Title: Family planning and life planning: Reproductive intentions among individuals seeking reproductive health care. Author: Foster DG; Biggs MA; Ralph LJ; Arons A; Brindis CD Source: Women's Health Issues. 2008 Sep-Oct;18(5):351-359. Abstract: Little research has focused on men and women's reproductive intentions before pregnancy and their perceived personal and social motivations to prevent an unintended pregnancy. To assess the reproductive intentions of low-income men and women in California, we asked individuals seeking reproductive health services about their plans for childbearing, including an ideal timeframe and perceived advantages of delay. We also asked about their health care visit to examine how contraceptive use and services relate to reproductive intentions. The majority (77%) of the 1,409 reproductive health clients surveyed wanted to have a/another child, but hoped to delay childbearing by an average of 5.4 years. The most common reasons for wanting to delay pregnancy were related to finances (24%) or education (19%), with differences by race/ethnicity and gender. We did not observe a clear relationship between the length of time the client wanted to delay pregnancy and the type of contraceptive method dispensed during the clinic visit. Individuals seeking reproductive health care perceive many personal benefits to planning and timing their pregnancies, and most will need many years of contraceptive protection to achieve their reproductive goals. Providers should work with their patients to ensure that they receive a contraceptive method that is consistent with the length of pregnancy prevention they desire. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | FAMILY PLANNING SURVEYS | ADULTS | PROVIDERS WITH CLIENTS | LOW INCOME POPULATION | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FAMILY PLANNING ACCEPTOR CHARACTERISTICS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Family Planning | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Planning Acceptors | Family Planning Programs | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception Document Number: 327447 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Overview Chapter 2: Parity distribution and completed family size in Europe: Incipient decline of the two-child family model? Author: Frejka T Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Jul 1;19(4):47-72. Abstract: By the end of the 20th century the two-child family became the norm throughout Europe. Between 40 and over 50 percent of women in the 1950s and 1960s cohorts had two children. There were some incipient signs that shares of two-child families were declining, especially in Central and Eastern and Southern Europe. An increase in childlessness among recent generations was an almost universal trend. The increase in proportions of one-child families was prominent in CEE and in SE. Wherever shares of childless women and of women with one child continue to grow, the obvious result will be entrenched below replacement fertility. Much depends on progression ratios to first and to second births. In CEE mainly the progression ratios to second births are declining. In the Nordic countries progression ratios to first and to second births were relatively stable and even more so in France. Altogether, most people opt for two children, very few for three or more, the frequency of the one-child family is increasingas are the proportions of people remaining childless. The latter trends were more pronounced in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe and not so much in Northern and Western countries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: EUROPE | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | FAMILY SIZE, COMPLETED | SOCIAL CHANGE | DEMOGRAPHIC IMPACT | PARITY PROGRESSION RATIO | NULLIPARITY | ONLY CHILD | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parity | Fertility Measurements | Fertility Document Number: 327714 |
| 13. Title: Spousal agreement on reproductive preferences in sub-Saharan Africa. Author: Gebreselassie T Source: Calverton, Maryland, Macro International, MEASURE DHS, 2008 May. 44 p. (DHS Analytical Studies No. 10) Abstract: This study investigates spousal agreement on reproductive preferences (fertility preferences and ideal number of children) in sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis uses matched couples' data from 14 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) carried out between 1999 and 2004. Additionally, pooled data from the 14 countries are used to explore the aggregate effect of different levels of polygyny (high and low) on spousal agreement on reproductive preferences. Agreement between partners/spouses to have another child ranges from 36 percent in Namibia to 90 percent in Chad. The multivariate analysis indicates that in many countries agreement on having another child is less likely if the woman has some formal education. Additionally, in most countries, the results show that wife's age and the number of living children are consistent predictors of spousal agreement on having another child. Economic status has an important role in 7 of the 14 countries; couples living in wealthier households are less likely to agree to have another child than those in poorer households. Agreement between partners/spouses on the ideal number of children ranges from 13 percent in Chad to 32 percent in Kenya. Overall, a larger proportion of husbands than wives consider a higher number of children to be the ideal. However, the multivariate analysis indicates that, in most countries, the odds of spousal agreement on the ideal number of children are increased if the wife has formal education. The study also looks at the aggregate effect of high and low levels of polygyny on spousal agreement on fertility preferences and ideal number of children. The findings from the multivariate analysis indicates that, regardless of level of polygyny, the most important factors influencing the likelihood that both partners want another child are wife's education, wife's age, number of living children, and household wealth status. However, in countries with high levels of polygyny, type of marriage, difference in spouses' education, and infecundity can havea significant negative impact on agreement to have another child. In all 14 countries, wife's education has a positive impact on spousal agreement on the ideal number of children, regardless of level of polygyny. However, if the husband's level of education exceeds that of his wife, the wife is working for cash, or the household is not poor, the likelihood of spousal agreement on ideal number of children is greater only in the high polygyny group. (author's) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | COUPLES | POLYGYNY | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | PARTNER COMMUNICATION | FAMILY SIZE, IDEAL | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | Developing Countries | Africa | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Marriage Patterns | Marriage | Nuptiality | Fertility | Interpersonal Relations | Behavior | Family Size | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 327806 |
| 14. Title: Fertility concern in Finland and Russia: Economic thinking and ideal family size in the rhetoric of population polices. Author: Isola AM Source: Finnish Yearbook of Population Research. 2008;43:63-84. Abstract: This article deals with fertility concern in Russian and Finnish population policies. The article points out that some commonly known discourses are persistently used as arguments in fertility-related population policies. In Finland, these include, for instance, discourses on "ageing nation" and "economic competitiveness". Russian policymakers use a "crisis discourse" that consists of three sub-discourses: "demographic crisis", "reproductive health in crisis" and "family crisis". The Russian government implements pronatalist population policies, whereas Finnish authorities hesitate to use the term "population policy" because of its emphasis on reproductive rights on the one hand, and the negative associations of population policy on the other. Russia has both population and family programs, as well as a new law with a specifically pronatalist emphasis. Conversely, Finland uses family policy as a tool of population policy. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FINLAND | RUSSIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | POPULATION | FAMILY SIZE, IDEAL | HOME ECONOMICS | POPULATION POLICY | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | PUBLIC OPINION | PERCEPTION | DEMOGRAPHIC AGING | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | PRONATALIST POLICY | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | Developed Countries | Europe, Northern | Europe | Asia, Northern | Asia | Developing Countries | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Microeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Family Planning | Attitudes | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Health | Human Rights Document Number: 326069 |
| 15. Title: The effect of family size and composition on fertility desires, contraceptive adoption, and method choice in South Asia. Author: Jayaraman A; Mishra V; Arnold F Source: Calverton, Maryland, Macro International, MEASURE DHS, 2008 Mar. 26 p. (DHS Working Papers No. 40USAID Contract No. GPO-C-00-03-00002-00) Abstract: We examine the influence of family size and composition on reproductive behavior in three South Asian countries - Nepal, India, and Bangladesh - that are known for strong son preference. Using data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys, we analyze whether the choice of contraceptive method adopted (modern versus traditional; temporary versus permanent) and desire for another child differ by parity and sex composition of surviving children. In addition, for India we pool data for four northern states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) and four southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) in order to capture the north-south variation within the country. We also compare West Bengal and Bangladesh to understand how son preference in these culturally similar regions affects fertility desires and contraceptive adoption. The effects of parity and sex composition on fertility desire and contraceptive use are estimated using binary and multinomial logistic regression after controlling for key socioeconomic factors, including education, work status, media exposure, household wealth status, woman's participation in household decision-making, and urban/rural residence. We find that, independent of socioeconomic factors, women with more sons have a lower desire to have another child and are more likely to use contraception than those with more daughters. These effects are more prominent in Nepal and India than in Bangladesh. Within India, the effects are stronger in north India than in south India or West Bengal. However, considerable proportions of women also express a desire for at least one daughter, especially in Bangladesh after having a son. There is a clear shift towards permanent methods of contraception with an increase in the number of sons, but we find no systematic pattern in the use of traditional methods by parity or sex composition of children. We conclude that son preference remains widespread in all three countries, and it has a major influence on reproductive behavior. The preference for boys is embedded in the cultural and traditional beliefs of these countries. Reducing such preference would require a change in social norms and attitudes of the people and an improvement of the status of women within the household. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NEPAL | INDIA | BANGLADESH | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE DETERMINANTS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | SEX PREFERENCE | SONS | SEX DISCRIMINATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Sociocultural Factors | Fertility | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Family Relationships | Social Discrimination | Social Problems Document Number: 326390 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Poland: Fertility decline as a response to profound societal and labour market changes? Author: Kotowska I; Jozwiak J; Matysiak A; Baranowska A Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Jul 1;19(22):795-854. Abstract: This article opens with a review of the main trends in family-related behaviour, i.e. fertility decline and changes in fertility patterns, a decreasing propensity to marry, postponement of marriage, and a slowly increasing frequency of divorces and separations. The analysis takes into account urban and rural differences. We then aim to identify the main determinants of family changes within the general conceptual framework of the Second Democratic Transition (SDT) in Poland. However, contrary to mainstream interpretations of the SDT, the main emphasis of this study is on the structural components of change, which need to be reformulated to account for processes specific to the transition to a market economy. The focus is, therefore, on labour market developments and family policy, and to a lesser extent on ideational change. (author's) Language: English Keywords: POLAND | RESEARCH REPORT | FERTILITY DECLINE | FERTILITY CHANGES | MARRIAGE PATTERNS | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | ILLEGITIMACY | CONSENSUAL UNION | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | LABOR FORCE | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | CHILD CARE | Europe, Central | Europe | Developing Countries | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Marriage | Nuptiality | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Child Rearing | Behavior Document Number: 327729 |
| 17. Peer Reviewed Title: Husband-wife agreement, power relations and contraceptive use in Turkey. Author: Kulczycki A Source: International Family Planning Perspectives. 2008 Sep;34(3):127-137. Abstract: In Turkey, contraceptive use has become more widespread, but little is known about the concurrence of spousal reports or the relative influence of communication, decision making and power differentials on method use. METHODS: Data from the 1998 Turkish Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) for 1,546 married couples were tested for concurrence between spousal reports on fertility and family planning variables. Multivariate regression analyses based on wives', husbands' and joint reports of current contraceptive use were used to assess the association between such use and various background, communication and interspousal variables. RESULTS: Spousal reports on most fertility and contraceptive use measures demonstrated moderate to high concordance, whereas reports of approval of family planning showed only fair concordance. After adjusting for background factors, models based on wives' and husbands' reports showed that current contraceptive use was positively associated with the number of methods known (odds ratios, 1.2 and 1.1, respectively) and perception of spousal approval (3.3 and 2.0, respectively), and in the husbands' model, with approval of either spouse or both (3.8-5.8). In the combined model, contraceptive use was positively associated with both partners approving of family planning (2.4), and negatively associated with both partners wanting more than three children and with only wives wanting three or fewer (0.4 and 0.6, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies between spousal reports were less significant in Turkey than in most developing countries with DHS data, but the differences were not inconsequential to explaining how spousal attitudes and preferences influence contraceptive use. No evidence was found associating interspousal power differentials with method use. Further research is needed to improve the testing and modeling of such dyadic processes. Language: English Keywords: TURKEY | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | COUPLES | CURRENTLY MARRIED | HUSBAND-WIFE COMMUNICATION | GENDER RELATIONS | DECISION MAKING | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | SEX FACTORS | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | PERCEPTION | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | Developing Countries | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Partner Communication | Interpersonal Relations | Behavior | Gender Issues | Fertility | Population Characteristics | Contraception | Family Planning | Psychological Factors | Family Size Document Number: 322523 |
| 18. Peer Reviewed Title: Gender equity and fertility intentions in Italy and the Netherlands. Author: Mills M; Mencarini L; Tanturri ML; Begall K Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Feb 29;18(1):1-26. Abstract: Fertility levels have fallen drastically in most industrialized countries. Diverse theoretical and empirical frameworks have had difficulty explaining these unprecedented low levels of fertility. More recently, however, attention has turned from classic explanations, such as women's increased labour market participation, to gender equity as the essential link to understand this phenomenon. Increases in women's labour market participation did not prompt a rise in men's domestic duties, often referred to as women's 'dual burden' or 'second shift'. Beyond the household, institutions and policies within countries facilitate or constrain the combination of women's employment with fertility. This paper provides an empirical test of gender equity theory by examining whether the unequal division of household labour leads to lower fertility intentions of women within different institutional contexts. Italy constitutes a case of low gender equity, low female labour market participation and the lowest-low fertility. The Netherlands has moderate to high gender equity, high part-time female labour market participation and comparatively higher fertility. Using data from the 2003 Italian Multipurpose Survey - Family and Social Actors and the Dutch sample from the 2004/5 European Social Survey, a series of logistic regression models test this theory. A central finding is that an unequal division of household labour only significantly impacts women's fertility intentions when they already bear a heavy load (more work hours, children), a finding that is particularly salient for working women in Italy. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NETHERLANDS | ITALY | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | THEORETICAL MODELS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | LOW FERTILITY POPULATION | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | WOMEN'S STATUS | EMPLOYMENT | HOUSEWORK | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Europe, Southern | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Data Analysis | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Macroeconomic Factors | Microeconomic Factors Document Number: 324956 |
| 19. Title: Planned fertility and family background: A quantile regression for counts analysis. Author: Miranda A Source: Journal of Population Economics. 2008 Jan;21(1):67-81. Abstract: This paper examines how education and family background affect the fertility plans of young individuals in Mexico. Quantile regression for count data is used for the analysis. Results indicate that education and family structure affect planned fertility only at the tails of the conditional distribution. Education reduces planned fertility only among women with relatively strong preferences towards children. An absent father reduces planned fertility mostly at the bottom of the conditional distribution. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MEXICO | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS | YOUTH | ONE PARENT FAMILY | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Family Characteristics | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Fertility | Family Size Document Number: 322756 |
| 20. Title: Implanon sub-dermal implants: a 10-month review of acceptability in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. Author: Mutihir JT; Daru PH Source: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. 2008 Dec;11(4):320-3. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the acceptance of Implanon so far, the group of women accepting it, insertion complications and immediate post insertion problems, if any, and report our initial experience with the method. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective review study of all cases of Implanon acceptors between 1st May and 28th February 2007. Demographic and social factors were collated. Insertion and post-insertion complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2,608 clients accepted contraceptive methods out of which 350 clients had Implanon capsules inserted within the study period (13.4%). One hundred and ninety-one (54.6%) of the acceptors desired more children, and therefore using it to space pregnancies, 154 (44.0%) would not want more children, but opted for the temporary long term method, and 5 (1.4%) were uncertain whether to have more children in the future or not. The mean age and parity of acceptors were 32.4 years and 3.6 respectively. The mean number of living children to the women was 3.4. All the women were married. About three-quarters (75.8%) of the women had secondary and tertiary education. Seventy-two (20.6%) of the women were taking a modern contraceptive method for the first time. The rest 278 (79.4%) had used one or more methods of contraception, and were only switching over to Implanon sub-dermal implants. The patients weighed between 40 and 122 kg with an average of 62.4 kg. Post-insertion complications like infection, expulsion, bruising and induration were not reported. Four women discontinued the method for varying reasons. CONCLUSION: Women are accepting the new method. Over three-quarters of the clients are switching from other methods to Implanon. The method appears to have good continuation rate and therefore a promising long term sub-dermal contraceptive method amongst our women. Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANTS | COMPLICATIONS | DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS | BIRTH SPACING | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD SWITCHING | CONTRACEPTION TERMINATION | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Diseases | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Contraceptive Usage Document Number: 331255 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: Sweden: Combining childbearing and gender equality. Author: Olah LS; Bernhardt EM Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Jul 1;19(28):1105-1144. Abstract: Sweden is the forerunner of the Second Demographic Transition. Fertility trends have fluctuated greatly since the 1960s, and the 1990s showed both European-highest and lowest-ever-in-Sweden levels, while the cohort pattern has been relatively stable. Period fluctuations have been accompanied by a postponement of entering committed partnerships and parenthood as well as an increasing instability of family relationships. The awareness and the availability of effective contraceptives have been extensive since the mid-1970s, the year the liberal abortion law was introduced. Post-modern values are dominant in this highly secularized society, but ideal family size is among the highest in the European Union, and childlessness has remained at a relatively low level. Ethnic diversification has increased over time, with about one-fifth of the population having a 'foreign background' in the early 2000s. The level of female labor-force participation is the highest in Europe (although mothers of preschoolers often work part-time), and young women are just as highly educated as men. Family policies, based on the principle of equality across social groups and gender, seem to play an important role in keeping fertility relatively high. In combination with other factors, family policies also play a role in the fluctuations of fertility rates, as eligibility to parental-leave and benefits as well as the availability of public childcare are linked to parents' labor-force attachment. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SWEDEN | RESEARCH REPORT | HISTORICAL REVIEW | FERTILITY CHANGES | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION | CONTRACEPTIVE AVAILABILITY | FAMILY SIZE, IDEAL | FAMILY POLICY | ABORTION | SOCIAL CHANGE | Europe, Northern | Europe | Developed Countries | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraception | Family Planning | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception Document Number: 327674 Notification |
| 22. Title: Contraceptive use among Malawian women 1992-2004. Author: Palamuleni M Source: Malawi Medical Journal. 2008 Sep;20(3):78-9. Abstract: This journal article discusses contraceptive prevalence of Malawian women of reproductive age. It declares that the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) in Malawi has increased during the 20 year period of 1984 to 2004 and a change has also occurred in the mix of methods. Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CONTRACEPTIVE PREVALENCE | WOMEN | CHILD SURVIVAL | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Demographic Factors | Population | Survivorship | Length of Life | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 341717 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: The preference for an additional child among married women in Seoul, Korea. Author: Park SM; Cho SI; Jang SN; Cho YT; Chung HW Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2008 Mar;40(2):269-281. Abstract: South Korea reported a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.08 in 2005. This is the lowest level of all nations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Recently, the decline in the fertility rate has been a dominant phenomenon in Korea's major cities. This study investigated the relationship between social environmental factors and fertility intentions for married women in Seoul, the capital of Korea, using a sample of 2211 married women who responded to the Seoul Citizens Health and Social Indicators Survey, 2005. Here, the effects of selected social environmental characteristics on fertility intentions are explored using multivariate logistic regression models. The relationships among a woman's age, number of living children, job type, housing type, and social group participation were strong indicators of the intention to have additional children. Younger women living with fewer children generally have a higher intention to have additional children. Among women's job types, blue-collar workers have a lower preference for additional children than white-collar workers and housewives. Married women participating in social groups have a lower preference for additional children than non-participants. Women's participation in social activities appears to have various benefits, both individually and socially. However, whereas women's participation in economic activities has been linked to questions of fertility in previous studies, the relationship between fertility and social activities has been downplayed. Women's participation in social activities has increased over the past several decades, and the trend continues to grow. Therefore, women's participation in social activities must be accepted as the status quo, and compatibility between women's participation in social activities and childrearing needs to be increased. Consequently, a strong foundation for a fertility-friendly environment is needed, focusing on blue-collar workers and participation in social activities by married women. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | WOMEN | URBAN POPULATION | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | SOCIAL BEHAVIOR | SOCIAL NETWORKS | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | LOW FERTILITY POPULATION | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Characteristics | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Behavior | Friends and Relatives Document Number: 323786 |
| 24. Peer Reviewed Title: Consistency and predictive ability of fertility preference indicators: longitudinal evidence from rural India. Author: Roy TK; Sinha RK; Koenig M; Mohanty SK; Patel SK Source: International Family Planning Perspectives. 2008 Sep;34(3):138-145. Abstract: Ideal family size and desire for an additional child are the two most commonly used fertility preference indicators. However, little is known about the consistency over time of responses to each measure, the consistency between the two indicators or the predictive value of these indicators in India. METHOD: Longitudinal data from the 1998-1999 National Family Health Survey and a follow-up survey conducted four years later were analyzed to determine the consistency of responses to the two fertility preference indicators (both over time and between indicators) and to determine whether baseline responses were associated with subsequent fertility, unwanted births and contraceptive use. RESULTS: Responses on the measure of ideal family size were consistent at the two time points for 53% of nonsterilized women. Eighty-two percent of women who explicitly said in 1998 that they did not desire more children responded identically in 2002, although about half of these women had given birth in the intervening period. The indicators were associated with each other: Among women with at least one son, 79% of those who had attained or surpassed their ideal family size said they wanted to stop childbearing, compared with 18% of those who had not. Both indicators predicted future fertility, unwanted births and contraceptive use, particularly among women who had a son. CONCLUSION: Both indicators are useful in understanding future fertility behavior. As the prevalence of son preference declines in India, the predictive ability of the indicators is likely to improve. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | EVALUATION INDEXES | HEALTH SURVEYS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | FAMILY SIZE, IDEAL | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE DETERMINANTS | PREGNANCY, UNWANTED | SEX PREFERENCE | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Health | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Reproductive Behavior | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 322521 |
| 25. Title: Blacks and the family cap: Pregnancy, abortion, and spillovers. Author: Sabia JJ Source: Journal of Population Economics. 2008 Jan;21(1):111-134. Abstract: While reducing out-of-wedlock childbearing is a central goal of welfare reform, most policymakers prefer achieving this objective via a reduction in nonmarital pregnancy rates rather than through an increase in the incidence of abortion. Using aggregate state-level data from 1984 to 1998, I estimate fixed effects models that allow for autocorrelated and heteroskedastic disturbances to examine the association between the family cap and nonmarital birth, pregnancy, and abortion rates. I find robust evidence that the family cap is associated with a reduction in nonmarital birth rates, particularly among black women. This reduction is driven by a reduction in nonmarital pregnancy rates rather than through an increase in abortion or marriage rates. These findings suggest that that the stigmatizing effect of the family cap may influence the nonmarital pregnancy decisions of black women. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | THEORETICAL STUDIES | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | BLACKS | PREMARITAL PREGNANCY | FAMILY SIZE, COMPLETED | ABORTION RATE | BIRTH RATE | STIGMA | PUBLIC ASSISTANCE | DISINCENTIVES | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Studies | Research Methodology | Theoretical Models | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Fertility Measurements | Social Problems | Government Financing | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Policy | Political Factors Document Number: 322758 Notification |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Women's reproductive autonomy and barriers to contraceptive use in Pakistan. Author: Saleem A; Pasha GR Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2008 Mar;13(1):83-89. Abstract: The objective was to determine through the log-linear model analysis technique the impact of women's reproductive autonomy, spouses' educational background and other factors on the use of contraception in Pakistan. Data from the Pakistan Reproductive Health and Family Planning Survey 2000 were used. In this survey a national sample of married women aged 15-49 years (n = 6579) were interviewed. A number of socio-economic, socio-demographic and women's reproductive autonomy variables were taken for the log-linear model fitting and analysis, in order to examine the impact of women's reproductive autonomy on contraceptive use and the factors affecting this latter. On the basis of partial and marginal association tests, two hierarchical log-linear models were selected. The first one concerned women's reproductive autonomy and contraceptive use, the second one analysed factors affecting contraceptive use. Standardized values of the model's parameter estimates showed that women's reproductive autonomy was significantly associated with husband-wife education attainment when they were using contraception. In the second model, contraceptive use was strongly associated with women's education, husband's desire for more children, sex preference for the next child and number of living children. An improved husband-wife educational level results in greater reproductive autonomy of the women and an increased use of contraception. The husband's desire for more children, a preference for the sex of the next child, and the woman's poor education attainment level are the main barriers to contraceptive use. (author's) Language: English Keywords: PAKISTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CORRELATION OF DATA | THEORETICAL MODELS | WOMEN | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | SEX PREFERENCE | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Correlation Studies | Statistical Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraception | Family Planning | Human Rights | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household Document Number: 324167 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: England and Wales: Stable fertility and pronounced social status differences. Author: Sigle-Rushton W Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Jul 1;19(15):455-502. Abstract: For nearly three decades, the total fertility rate in England and Wales has remained high relative to other European countries, and stable at about 1.7 births per woman. In this chapter, we examine trends in both period and cohort fertility throughout the twentieth century, and demonstrate some important differences across demographic and social groups in the timing and quantum of fertility. Breaking with a market-oriented and laissez-faire approach to work and family issues, the last 10 years have seen the introduction of new social and economic policies aimed at providing greater support to families with children. However, the effect of the changes is likely to be limited to families on the lower end of the income scale. Rather than facilitating work and parenthood, some policies create incentives for a traditional gendered division of labour. Fertility appears to have remained stable despite, rather than because of, government actions. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | WALES | RESEARCH REPORT | FERTILITY CHANGES | FAMILY SIZE, COMPLETED | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | DELAYED CHILDBEARING | AGE SPECIFIC FERTILITY RATE | ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY | MARRIAGE POSTPONEMENT | SEX BEHAVIOR | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | ABORTION | SOCIAL CHANGE | SOCIAL CLASS | SOCIAL POLICY | ECONOMIC POLICY | POPULATION POLICY | United Kingdom | Europe, Western | Europe | Developed Countries | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Marriage | Nuptiality | Behavior | Contraception | Family Planning | Fertility Control, Postconception | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Policy | Political Factors Document Number: 327723 Notification |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Czech Republic: A rapid transformation of fertility and family behaviour after the collapse of state socialism. Author: Sobotka T; St'astna A; Zeman K; Hamplová D; Kantorová V Source: Demographic Research. 2008 Jul 1;19(14):403-454. Abstract: Following the swift demise of the state-socialist regime in 1989, a profound transformation of family and fertility patterns has taken place in the Czech Republic. Family formation has been postponed and period fertility rates have fallen to very low levels, especially among young adults. Unmarried cohabitation has become relatively widespread and marriages have been progressively delayed or even foregone. These rapid shifts in family-related behaviour were primarily driven by a period change and resulted in a sharp discontinuity in cohort patterns of union formation and childbearing. We argue that the rapid change in family-related behaviour after 1990 was driven by a fundamental shift in the constraints and incentives for childbearing, which was conducive to later and more carefully planned family formation. The rapidity of observed changes can be explained as the outcome of a simultaneous occurrence of several factors, especially the expansion of higher education, the emergence of new opportunities competing with family life, increasing job competition, rising economic uncertainty in young adulthood, and changing partnership behaviour. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CZECH REPUBLIC | RESEARCH REPORT | FERTILITY CHANGES | POLITICAL FACTORS | SOCIAL CHANGE | DELAYED CHILDBEARING | FERTILITY RATE | MARRIAGE POSTPONEMENT | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | ABORTION | EDUCATION | EMPLOYMENT | ECONOMIC FACTORS | GENDER ISSUES | FAMILY SIZE, IDEAL | FAMILY POLICY | Europe, Central | Europe | Developing Countries | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Behavior | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Marriage | Nuptiality | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Contraception | Family Planning | Fertility Control, Postconception | Macroeconomic Factors | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Social Policy | Policy Document Number: 327722 Notification |
| 29. Title: Diagnostics and treatment of HIV-affected couples who wish to have children. Author: Tandler-Schneider A; Sonnenberg-Schwan U; Gingelmaier A; Meurer A; Kremer H Source: European Journal of Medical Research. 2008 Dec 3;13(12):546-51. Abstract: In Germany, more than 56.000 people are currently infected with HIV, 19% of whom are women. Since 1996, the improved therapeutic options have substantially increased life expectancy so that individuals with HIV can now enjoy an almost normal life span. This has also opened up the possibility for people to develop long-term perspectives with regard to their education, career, and family planning. Since 75% of all infected individuals are of childbearing age (between 20 and 40 years old), they often desire to have children. Scientific data has shown worldwide that people with HIV do not differ from the general population on the frequency of the desire and the importance placed on having children. Specifically, this has been proven for Switzerland. In fulfilling the desire of HIV-positive individuals to have children multiple factors have to be considered, such as the course of the HIV-infection, the infection risk for the HIV-negative partner, and the risk of vertical HIV-transmission to the child. In addition, the fertility status and various socio-demographic factors, such as age and marital status, also play a role. For HIV-affected couples who desire to have children the following three variants can be recognized, each of which presents their own particular problems that have to be considered: If the man is HIV-positive, protection of the female HIV-negative partner, if the woman is HIV-positive, in addition to protection of the HIV-negative partner the infection risk for the child, and if both partners are HIV-positive, both the infection risk of the child and the avoidance of transfer of resistant viruses between partners. Each variant requires different strategies for consultation and intervention. Among HIV-affected couples desiring children there is a greater need for support in medical and psychosocial questions and often for reproductive medicine. This task needs to be addressed in an interdisciplinary setting; therefore, representatives from the above-mentioned organizations have committed themselves to formulating recommendations for medical consultation, diagnostics, and treatment of HIV-affected couples who desire to have children. These are designed to account for the individual life circumstances of people with HIV, to aid in medical and forensic decision-making, and to be used as a guideline for consultation in medical and psychosocial practices. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | COUPLES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | COUNSELING | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | FERTILITY | MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Family Size | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Behavior | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Transmission | Infections Document Number: 329812 |
| 30. Title: Social aspirations and choice of fertility: Why can status motive reduce per-capita growth? Author: Tournemaine F Source: Journal of Population Economics. 2008 Jan;21(1):49-66. Abstract: To examine the relationship between social aspirations, fertility choices and growth performances, we develop a R&D-based model in which individuals care about the number of children they bring up and their social status. In such an economy, we find that stronger status motives have a negative effect on growth. The reason is that individuals bring up fewer children, as children are an obstacle to the achievement of their social status. Introducing an endogenous choice of quality for children, we show that stronger status motives lead individuals to bring up fewer but higher quality children. In this case, social aspirations heighten the desire of parents to substitute the quantity for the quality of children because education of children fosters society's productive ability, indirectly improving parents' social status. (author's) Language: English Keywords: THAILAND | THEORETICAL STUDIES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | ECONOMIC MODEL | PARENTS | ASPIRATIONS | HUMAN CAPITAL | FERTILIT |