Ethnic fertility differentials in Pakistan.

Abstract

This study examined differences in residence, marriage age, and education among 6 language groups (Balochi-Brohi, Urdu, Siraiki, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pushto) in Pakistan. Ethnic differences were reported for fertility preferences and family planning attitudes, knowledge, and practices. Data were obtained from the 1990-91 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey among 6582 eligible ever-married women aged 15-30 and 31-49 years. 95% of Urdu and 50% of Balochi-Brohi speakers lived in urban areas. 73.4% of Siraiki speakers lived in rural areas. Urdu speakers were the best educated, with 31% having a secondary or higher education. Lack of formal education was 46.5% among Urdu, 68.4% among Punjabi, and 88% among Pushto women. Sindhi speakers had the lowest marriage age; the median age at first marriage was 15 years. Marriages at ages younger than 17 years were common among Balochi-Brohi-, Pushto-, and Siraiki-speaking women. Later age of marriage was more common among Urdu and Punjabi women. Fertility was highest among younger women speaking Balochi-Brohi, followed by those speaking Urdu. Fertility was lowest among younger Siraiki-speaking women. Among older women, fertility was highest among Siraiki speakers, followed by Balochi-Brohi and Pushto speakers. It was lowest among older Urdu-speaking women. 80% of Balochi-Brohi- and 76% of Siraiki-speaking women had no ideal family size. Over 25% of Urdu and Punjabi speakers desired 4 children. "Up to God" responses were strongest among Balochi-Brohi speakers, followed by Siraiki and Sindhi speakers. Current modern method use was 22.1 among Urdu speakers, 12.7% among those speaking a language other than the 6 groups studied, 11.7% among Punjabi speakers, 8.3% among Pushto speakers, 4.9% among Siraiki speakers, 3.4% among Sindhi speakers, and 3.3% among Balochi-Brohi speakers.