Some intermediate of fertility in Egypt.

Abstract

Intermediate variables associated with high fertility rates among low socioeconomic groups in suburban areas in Egypt were identified. 220 women with children between the ages of 0-3 years were randomly selected from Maternal Health Center patients. The average total births for the group was 4.3 and the average total live births was 3.3. High rates of wastage are a suspected motivation for high fertility rates. The mean age at marriage for the group was 17.9 years; however, more than 60% were married at the age of 15. Lactation practices were irregular for a majority of women and may have some effect on resumption of ovulation. In 31.8% of the patients, menstruation began at 6-12 weeks postpartum usually at the beginning of weaning. The mean interpregnancy interval was shorter than 2 years. A majority of women, 71.8%, reported resuming sexual intercourse before the 40th day postpartum, which is prohibited among Moslims. Many women thought that lactation would prevent pregnancy and contraceptives were not widely used at this time. Among the group, noncontraceptors were in the majority, 58.2%. Oral contraceptives (OCs), used by 34.1% of the women, and IUDs, used by 5.9%, were the most common methods used. The use of OCs is thought to be related to early weaning. The results emphasixe the need for a postpartum program which offers contraceptive measures which do not interfere with the lactation practices among low socioeconomic groups.