Fertility differentails in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study is an attempt to examine the extent of differences of fertility among a cross-section of Sri Lanka women, differentiated by their socio-economic background and to seek possible explanations for the observed fertility differentials. Data are drawn from the Family Health Baseline Survey of 1975 and the analysis is confined to 4113 currently married women less than 50 years of age and in their first marriage at the time of the survey. Fertility differentials are examined according to current residence, ethnic group, religion, level of education, employment status of the woman and socio-economic status of the household. The findings of the Survey rank age at marriage as the major determinant of fertility differentials while practice of breastfeeding is also an important factor for some socio-economic groups. It is found that family planning practice is still insignificant in determining fertility. The study also shows that the level of education contributes, on the whole, in a significant way to a lowering of fertility. Within the data limitations, this study provides a useful contribution to an area which has not been adequately studied. Some important areas for future research also emerge from the study. Show more