The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development marked a shift in the focus of international population programs from more narrowly defined demographic outcomes to more broadly defined reproductive health programs. Infertility was listed as one of the indicators used for evaluating a national reproductive health program. Most studies on infertility have focused mainly on developed countries and sub-Saharan countries. Little research on infertility in China at the population level has been done. This study estimates primary infertility in Qinghai Province, Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions in northwest China using data from the 1988 Two-Per-Thousand National Survey on Fertility and Contraception. A non-contracepting, sexually active woman is considered to have primary infertility, if she has not conceived after at least seven years of marriage. This study found that primary infertility was higher in these three minority province/autonomous regions, compared to the rest of China. Tibetans and Uygurs had a higher level of primary infertility than the Han Chinese. The ethnic differences remained after adjusting for urban/rural residence, education, marriage cohort and marital status. Primary infertility declined for each marriage cohort up to 1980 in Qinghai and up to 1970 in Xinjiang. Tibet experienced significant decrease over the past four decades. Infertility is both a health and social problem. Further studies on the association between infertility and divorce, the use of health services and the supply of infertility services are highly needed. The prevention and treatment of infertility should be an integral component of reproductive health care in the area.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Learn the prevalence of primary infertility in China and by province. 2. Recognize the high prevalence of primary infertility among ethnic groups such as Tibetans and Uygurs in China. 3. Assess the level of infertility at population level using large-scaled fertility surveys. 4. Argue that the prevention and treatment of infertility should be an integral component of reproductive health care in some parts of China.
Keywords: International Reproductive Health, Ethnicity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.