Health and Population

The demographic interactions of health programs, family planning, economic development and population growth are discussed. Generally, with social modernization, a decline in birthrates follows a decline in mortality rates. Basic medical care alleviates immediate suffering, while preventive health services contribute to long-term economic development by increasing the size and quality of the effective work force and opening up regions for development. A dramatic improvement in health can also trigger acceptance of other innovations. Generally, family planning field trials are more successful in countries where health and medical services have been long-established. At the outset, it is best to concentrate family planning promotion on those who are already motivated, rather than on the whole population at once. Factors influencing motivation include the number of living children, the family's perception of its own socioeconomic condition, and the effect of multiple and rapid childbearing on the health of mothers and children. Simple and direct information on health, family planning methods, and access to contraceptive devices can increase motivation. The intrauterine device seems to be the most effective contraceptive method among rural women.