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Childbearing in five Arab countries
1Social Research Center, American University in Cairo, 113 Kasr El Aini Street, Cairo, Egypt. Tigani@aucegypt.edu
Studies in Family Planning
|May 1, 2001
Summary
This study analyzes childbearing patterns in five Arab countries using life-table techniques. Fertility rates vary significantly, influenced by the age of childbearing onset and birth intervals.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Childbearing patterns significantly influence population dynamics and socioeconomic development.
- Understanding fertility trends in Arab countries is crucial for policy-making and resource allocation.
- Previous studies have highlighted regional variations in fertility, but detailed analysis of childbearing pace and quantum is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare childbearing patterns in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, and Yemen.
- To estimate key fertility measures: the cumulative proportion of subsequent births within 60 months (quintum) and the median birth interval.
- To analyze the relationship between fertility levels and the timing and pace of childbearing.
Main Methods:
- Life-table technique applied to demographic data from five Arab countries.
- Estimation of two summary measures: quintum (subsequent birth proportion) and median birth interval.
- Comparative analysis of childbearing patterns across different national fertility contexts.
Main Results:
- Yemen exhibits early childbearing onset and rapid progression to high parity, with a total fertility rate (TFR) over seven.
- Morocco and Egypt (TFRs 3.3-3.8) show delayed childbearing onset, slower pace, and lower parity progression.
- Algeria and Sudan (TFRs 4.4-4.6) demonstrate that delayed childbearing onset is a primary factor in fertility reduction.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in childbearing patterns across the studied Arab countries.
- The timing of childbearing onset is a critical determinant of overall fertility levels.
- Policy interventions aimed at fertility management should consider country-specific demographic profiles and the interplay of childbearing tempo and quantum.