[Proximate determinants of fertility in Cuba. The Bongaarts model]

"The results of the implementation of the Bongaarts method for quantitating the effects of [proximate] determinants on fertility are presented. The model used is of the multiplicative kind and relates the global fertility rate to the so called natural fertility rate. Thus, it is possible to quantitate and separate the effect of each determinant and thus find out what factors have been responsible for the rapid change in fertility [in Cuba] from 1972 on. The determinant of highest impact on the fertility level attained in each province was assessed. The most important results point [to] the use of contraceptives as the cause for the rapid decline in the fertility level and the married state as the variable conditioning provincial differences." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)