Impact of BRAC's socioeconomic development programme on fertility and mortality in Matlab
Bhuiya, A.; Chowdhury, M.; Khan, S.R.
Glimpse 18(1): 7-8
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-7508 PMID: 12291503 Document Number: 298936
The work was undertaken to assess whether participation in BRAC's development program promotes fertility control initiatives among women and enhances the chances for child survival. Around 10,000 currently married women of reproductive age, of whom 3000 are BRAC members, have been continuously followed up with regard to their demographic events through the Demographic Surveillance System of ICDDR,B since 1993. Children born alive to these women have also been followed up for survival and migration. The study has been carried out in Matlab and covers all four cells of the BRAC-ICDDR,B study. This paper reports results from experiences gained during 1992-94. Probability of a live birth and death of children was examined. The analysis revealed that the crude birth and death rates in the BRAC-ICDDR,B intervention cells are yet to show any impact of the development program. However, an analysis of the probability of a live birth during 1993-94 among the BRAC members and non-members showed lower probability among the BRAC members. The risk of death for children of BRAC member and non-member households was also found not to be different within the study period. Further follow-up and analysis are being carried out to understand the impact and its mechanisms. Women's participation in income-generating activities in Matlab has started to show impact on fertility; however, the impact on mortality is yet to be seen.