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High fertility among Indochinese refugees
J R Weeks1, R G Rumbaut, C Brindis
1International Population Center, San Diego State University.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Indochinese refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam show high fertility rates in the U.S. due to cultural factors and limited access to family planning, impacting maternal and child health resources.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nearly 900,000 Indochinese refugees resettled in the U.S. between 1975-1988.
- High fertility levels observed among refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam post-resettlement.
- Fertility rates exceed five children per ever-married woman, aligning with homeland norms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine fertility patterns among Indochinese refugees in the United States.
- To understand factors influencing high reproductive levels in this population.
- To assess the implications for maternal and child health services.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sample survey data from San Diego and San Francisco, CA.
- Comparison of fertility levels between first-wave (urban) and second-wave (rural) refugee groups.
- Exploration of socio-cultural factors, including gender preference and family planning access.
Main Results:
- Fertility levels significantly higher among rural, second-wave refugees compared to urban, first-wave groups.
- High fertility is linked to migration from high-fertility areas and delayed adaptation to U.S. environment.
- Cultural and financial barriers limit access to and motivation for using fertility control methods.
Conclusions:
- Indochinese refugee population's high fertility continues to strain maternal and child health resources.
- Continued U.S. residence may increase desire for family planning services.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
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