FERTILITY CONDITIONS IN GONDAR, NORTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA - AN APPRAISAL OF CURRENT STATUS

In order to study current fertility conditions, this study examines the sociocultural, economic, and demographic characteristics of 734 women aged 15-55 in the Gondar administrative region. Women over age 45 in the sample were found to have, on average, 7.27 pregnancies, 0.88 abortions, 6.39 children ever-born, 1.51 child deaths, and 4.88 live offspring. Fertility levels in the region were relatively high, compared to other developing countries. Contraceptive use was estimated at 3.6 per 1000 women. The need for more effective family planning services is strongly indicated. The study suggests that, among other goals, policy efforts should focus on the reduction of unintended conception and unwanted fertility. -from Author