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Fertility patterns of two New Guinea populations: Karkar and Lufa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

John M. Stanhope  and
Richard W. Hornabrook
John M. Stanhope
Affiliation:
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Richard W. Hornabrook
Affiliation:
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
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Summary

Fertility in New Guinea highlanders was lower than in the Karkar coastal population. Karkar fertility has been reduced in younger women and this appears to be associated with increased educational opportunity. Polygamy is common in the Highlands but unusual on the coast. Fertility appeared to be unrelated to religious affiliation or employment status. Both communities had some knowledge of contraception, abortion and fertility promotion, and on Karkar there was a knowledge of the advantages of medical advice concerning family planning. Mortality levels in the two communities were comparable, from the mid-trimester of pregnancy through early childhood. The estimated life expectancies at birth are within the accepted range for other areas of New Guinea.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , October 1974 , pp. 439 - 452
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

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