Birth-spacing in rural Yangoru, 1970-1987

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Public Health
• Anthropology

Background:

• Birth spacing is crucial for maternal and child health, and population dynamics.
• Accurate birth date data is limited in Papua New Guinea, hindering research on birth spacing.
• Previous studies indicate societal changes in the Yangoru Boiken community post-WWII.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess birth spacing trends among the Yangoru Boiken from 1970 to 1987.
• To evaluate the utility of Department of Health Baby Books for demographic research.
• To determine if societal changes impacted birth spacing patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from Department of Health Baby Books for the Yangoru Boiken population.
• Analyzed birth intervals and their changes over the 1970-1987 period.
• Compared birth spacing patterns before and after significant societal shifts.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant changes in birth spacing were observed during the study period (1970-1987).
• Department of Health Baby Books provided usable data for analyzing birth spacing trends.
• Despite considerable societal changes, birth spacing remained consistent.

Conclusions:

• Birth spacing among the Yangoru Boiken remained stable between 1970 and 1987.
• Baby books are a viable data source for historical demographic research in the region.
• Further research is needed to understand long-term birth spacing determinants in changing societies.