The ecology of low natural fertility in Ladakh
Wiley, A.S.
Journal of Biosocial Science 30(4): 457-480
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9320 PMID: 9818554 DOI: 10.1017/s002193209800457xDocument Number: 279898
This study offers an explanation of low fertility among a natural fertility population in Ladakhi region, Jammu-Kashmir state, India. Ladakhi is an isolated, mountainous Himalayan high altitude region with an arid climate, low oxygen levels, and variation in temperature. Data were obtained from the 1981 Census of India, two surveys, and samples among multi- and primiparous women in 1990 and postpartum women during 1990-94. Hypotheses are examined with proximate determinant models of Bongaarts (1978) and Wood (1994). There is a long tradition of polyandry that limits women's access to marriage. In 1981, two surveys indicate that the average number of children ever born was 4.2-4.5 in Zangskar. Census findings indicate that the total marital fertility rate in the preceding year was 4.15 births/woman. Fertility was higher in Kargil district among older ever-married women and among urban Kargil women. Average marriage age was 19.6 years. Prolonged or intensive breast-feeding was not observed during fieldwork. Birth intervals averaged 2.95 years. Neonatal mortality rates averaged about 15%; infant mortality rates averaged about 19%. In 1990, records indicate that 23.5% of women had experienced at least 1 abortion or stillbirth. Rates of nulliparity among married women were high at 10%. Low fertility may be due to ecological factors that have direct effects on reproduction or are mediated through behavior, such as sexual activity or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially in Leh district. The most likely reason is compromised ovarian function due to marginal nutrition or STDs.