Policy implications and future program issues of family planning and fertility reduction in Jordan.

Abstract

This study identifies the causes of fertility decline in Jordan for the period 1976-83, and suggests family planning program and related development activities which should be implemented through future policy regarding fertility reduction. Employing information from the 1976 Jordan Fertility Survey, the 1983 Fertility and Family Health Survey, and the 1985 Jordan Husbands Survey, fertility levels and trends are reviewed and investigated with a view upon differentials and changes of determinant factors during 1976-85. Determinant factors considered include age at marriage, contraceptive use, breastfeeding, and postpartum abstinence, with consideration of their correlation with socioeconomic and cultural background characteristics. The study encourages delayed age of 1st marriage, and calls for promotion of accessible education of all types especially in poor, rural areas to women. Family planning should be promoted as an health issue, and fully integrated with child and maternal programs, information, education, and communication programs, and rural development projects. The young and married couples should not be excluded from service availability, and women's status and roles in the community must be improved. Finally, upgraded management of family planning programs, and increasing male involvement in family planning should also be future policy priorities for Jordan.