Demographic Study of Gujjars of Delhi: VI. Factors Affecting Fertility, Infant Mortality and Use of BCM

ABSTRACT Association between various bio-social factors that affect fertility, infant mortality and use of birth control methods was examined among Gujjars of Delhi. The data were collected from 558 households on ever-married women in the age group 15-49 years. Among Gujjars, women’s age has the most significant effect on fertility and family planning acceptance; while fertility influences infant mortality the most. Women’s education is also an important determinant of these variables. Stepwise multivariate analysis reflects that older women tend to have higher fertility, followed by higher ideal no. of children. Also, fertility further increases with higher infant mortality (that is the next factor affecting it). It is expected that lowering of infant mortality may help in reducing fertility. Among older woman infant mortality is higher. Usage of family planning methods among older women is lower as compared to women who were younger at the time of field survey. There is a decline in usage of BCM with the increase in surviving children, however if the women has higher desire for sons and higher ideal number of children then their acceptance and use decline further