Childlessness, subfertility, and infertility in Tanzania

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Public Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Fertility trends are crucial for understanding population dynamics and reproductive health.
• Tanzania has experienced demographic shifts, necessitating analysis of fertility patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine trends and variations in childlessness, subfertility, and infertility in Tanzania.
• To analyze changes in birth intervals and their correlation with fertility rates.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of data from the 1973 National Demographic Survey and the 1991-92 Demographic and Health Survey.
• Stratification of data by age, urban/rural residence, and geographical zones within Tanzania.

Main Results:

• A >60% decline in childlessness among women over 30 was observed.
• Reduced open birth intervals (40-50%) in women aged 20-39.
• Higher childlessness and infertility rates in urban versus rural populations.
• Evidence suggests a subsequent increase in total fertility rate following the decline in impaired fertility.

Conclusions:

• Significant improvements in fertility occurred in Tanzania between the survey periods.
• Urban-rural disparities in fertility exist.
• Population policies must balance growth control with women's health improvements.