Fertility Rates Research Articles

Quality of Life in Ageing Challenges Still Pending

High mortality rates and increasing quality of life, together with declining fertility rates, point to a demographic picture of global ageing that presages the so-called "ageing society". This paper seeks to indicate that it is also necessary to consider the capacity of individuals and governments to adapt to these collective and population changes.Undoubtedly, we are facing changes that involve public policies, family changes, urban resizing and new economic strategies, among others. But, at the same time, it is necessary not to forget those emotional and subjective factors that solidify the emergence of new strategies of what an older adult is in terms of active ageing and the search for quality of life.In this sense, it is intended to point out that although we have reviewed that account for cultural, political and cultural factors, the same does not happen with those other factors that also contribute to the term quality of life from the emotional, relational and subjective point of view.

Lipidomic profiling of cervical mucus reveals the potential role of pro-inflammatory derived metabolites on sperm transport across the ovine cervix

Internationally, cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway where vaginal AI of frozen-thawed semen to a natural oestrus yields non-return rates in excess of 60%, which has been attributed to the ewe breed used in Norway. This study used both metabolomics and an RNA-sequencing approach to assess the lipid production and composition from cervical mucus and tissue of four European ewe breeds (n = 28–30 ewes per breed) with previously reported differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These breeds included Suffolk (exhibiting low fertility), Belclare (medium fertility) as well as Norwegian White Sheep and Fur (both with high fertility and pregnancy rates > 60%) at both a synchronised and natural oestrous cycle. The aim was to explore the differences between ewe breeds in the lipidomic profile and to identify candidate biomarkers associated with an optimal environment for cervical sperm transport. The results revealed the identification of 255 lipids, of which 170, 102 and 83 were different between ewe breeds, types of cycle and affected by their interaction, respectively (P < 0.05). Reduced levels of lipids involved in the resolution of inflammation (i.e. 14-HDoHE,17-HDoHE, 15-HETE) were identified in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared to high-fertility ewe breeds. However, there was an up-regulation of the COX pathway accompanied by increased levels of prostaglandins in the Suffolk breed. These findings indicated a sub-optimal and pro-inflammatory environment that could have a negative effect on cervical sperm transport.

Bacterial Zoonotic Diseases and Male Reproduction

Bacterial zoonotic diseases hold significant public health importance due to their substantial contribution to human morbidity and mortality. These infections have been implicated in reducing the fertility rate among couples of reproductive age. Despite the increasing prevalence of infertility and sub-fertility in men, there has been limited investigation into the possible effects of bacterial zoonotic infections on the male reproductive system. The purpose of this review is to describe common bacterial zoonotic diseases and their effects on human reproduction in order to unveil the hidden roles these infections could play in male factor infertility. While there is a dearth of information on this subject from human studies, available evidence from experimental animals suggests that bacterial zoonotic diseases impair male reproductive functions and structures primarily through the activation of the inflammatory response and distortion of the antioxidant system, resulting in the generation of oxidative species. In light of the limited research on bacterial zoonotic diseases and their role in male reproduction, efforts must be directed towards the subject to unravel the underlying pathological mechanisms and reduce the incidence among the human populace, either through preventive or curative measures.

Long-term impact of mortality on population age structures

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that mortality has a greater influence than fertility on shaping population age structures in the long run and that recent mortality rates provide a satisfactory initial approximation for describing observed age structures in most empirical cases. In the theoretical part of this article, we elucidate a potential fallacy in the line of reasoning based on simulations and counterfactuals frequently used to attribute population aging to low fertility rates. The alternative view that we propose leads us to hypothesize that age structures conform, albeit not exclusively, to a standard derived from survival conditions: the age structure of a stationary population within a given period. We tested this hypothesis on all countries, using the data from the United Nations database (1951 &amp;ndash; 2021) and specifically on 10 European countries using the data from the Human Mortality Database (1860 &amp;ndash; 2019). The empirical results indicate that current survival conditions sufficiently explain a significant portion of the observed age structure across all examined countries and epochs. However, deviations from this underlying, long-term (mortality-driven) path exist, which our approach cannot fully explain. This is where the role of fertility arguably becomes more prominent. Several implications arise from our findings, including the debate on the relative role of fertility and mortality in shaping age structures in the long run, the theoretical meaning and practical use of cross-sectional life tables, and the notion and measure of demographic dividends.

What Education Cannot Equalize: Segregated Social Networks and Media in Stratified Reproduction

ABSTRACT In the United States, age at first birth is increasing and fertility rates are declining. In the absence of policy solutions that enable people to have the children they desire, individuals who have postponed childbearing may seek biomedical solutions in the form of fertility treatments. However, fertility care is marked by racial and socioeconomic inequalities in the United States. How and why such inequalities persist remains unclear, especially for populations with socioeconomic advantages. Using an intersectional and comparative approach, this article explores how access to health information related to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) among Black and White women in United States graduate programs may contribute to the observed inequalities in fertility care. Through qualitative analyses of semi-structured interviews, the results demonstrate social class can act as an equalizer of exposure to and knowledge about IVF. However, social network segregation and media portrayals of infertility construct social contexts that create implicit, structural barriers to Black women’s use of fertility treatments while encouraging use among White women. The findings provide new insights into the social structures that create stratified reproduction and demonstrate how resources garnered by social class cannot entirely ameliorate the effects of structural and systemic racism on health information.

The air pollution-fertility relationship: evidence from China

ABSTRACT This study investigates the link between air pollution and fertility. We developed a theoretical model of fertility choice in which air pollution affects both reproductive capacity and fertility intention. The model predicts that air pollution decreases fertility and that the negative effect of air pollution on the fertility rate varies across regions with different fertility restrictions and intentions. We use panel data from Chinese cities to empirically investigate the impact of air pollution on fertility and address the potential endogeneity problem by employing three identification strategies: fixed effects, lagged dependent variables, and instrumental variables. The point estimate implies that a one-standard-deviation increase in the 5-year average PM2.5 exposure (18 µg/m3) leads to a 0.417-standard-deviation decrease in the birth rate (1.19‰). Moreover, the negative effect of air pollution on fertility is weaker when the one-child policy is relaxed and is stronger in regions with higher education levels and higher housing prices, suggesting that air pollution decreases fertility through both the biological channel and the intention channel.

AMPK Suppression Due to Obesity Drives Oocyte mtDNA Heteroplasmy via ATF5-POLG Axis.

Due to the exclusive maternal transmission, oocyte mitochondrial dysfunction reduces fertility rates, affects embryonic development, and programs offspring to metabolic diseases. However, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are vulnerable to mutations during oocyte maturation, leading to mitochondrial nucleotide variations (mtSNVs) within a single oocyte, referring to mtDNA heteroplasmy. Obesity (OB) accounts for more than 40% of women at the reproductive age in the USA, but little is known about impacts of OB on mtSNVs in mature oocytes. It is found that OB reduces mtDNA content and increases mtSNVs in mature oocytes, which impairs mitochondrial energetic functions and oocyte quality. In mature oocytes, OB suppresses AMPK activity, aligned with an increased binding affinity of the ATF5-POLG protein complex to mutated mtDNA D-loop and protein-coding regions. Similarly, AMPK knockout increases the binding affinity of ATF5-POLG proteins to mutated mtDNA, leading to the replication of heteroplasmic mtDNA and impairing oocyte quality. Consistently, AMPK activation blocks the detrimental impacts of OB by preventing ATF5-POLG protein recruitment, improving oocyte maturation and mitochondrial energetics. Overall, the data uncover key features of AMPK activation in suppressing mtSNVs, and improving mitochondrial biogenesis and oocyte maturation in obese females.

The impact of female education on fertility: evidence from Malawi Universal Primary Education program

Abstract This paper examines the impact of female education on fertility outcomes by using the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program in Malawi as a natural experiment. The finding indicates that the UPE policy improves rural women's educational attainment by 0.42 years and an additional year of female education decreases women's number of children ever born and the number of living children by 0.39 and 0.34, respectively. An analysis of potential mechanisms suggests that the decreased fertility rates are likely driven by the reduction in women's fertility preferences, the postponement of marriage, and the delay of motherhood. Contrarily, the study finds no evidence that increased female education affects women's labor force participation and the use of modern contraception.

Short-term gains versus long-term strains: productivist policies and family resilience in China

This article studies the intricate dynamics of family resilience within the Chinese productivist regime over the course of seven decades, emphasizing the instrumental role of public policy in shaping this resilience. Drawing on a dynamic approach, the research demonstrates how, across distinct periods of central planning and economic reform, policies have persistently harnessed families to advance economic objectives. Showing that the productivist regime’s double-edged role on family resilience emerged while public policies bolstered short-term family resilience in times of sustained economic growth and favorable demographics, and signs of family sector downturn—declining fertility rates, family dysfunctions—became evident, the current article underscores the challenges of a model that primarily perceives families as economic instruments. Advocating for a policy paradigm shift that harmonizes economic ambitions with family well-being, this study offers valuable insights for policy-makers and lays the groundwork for future research in comparative welfare systems.

Barley sprouts and D-Aspartic acid supplementation improves fertility, hatchability, and semen quality in aging male broiler breeders by up-regulating StAR and P450SCC gene expressions

At 50 wk of age, broiler breeder roosters exhibit a significant decline of fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of incorporating barley sprout (BS) powder, D-aspartic acid (DA), or their combination into the diet on fertility, hatchability, semen quality, and the relative expression of StAR and P450SCC genes in aging broiler roosters. Aging (50 wk) male broiler breeders (n=32) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (2 × 2 factorial) with 2 levels of BS (0 or 2% basal diet) and DA (0 or 200 mg/kg/BW) for 12 wk. Roosters were individually housed under a 14-h light and 10-h dark cycle, with 150 g/d feed allocation and free access to fresh water, then euthanized. Throughout the study, the body weight of the broiler breeders was measured, along with various parameters related to semen quality, on a weekly basis. Additionally, artificial insemination was performed during the last 2 wk to evaluate reproductive endpoints. The results revealed that both BS and DA decreased (P < 0.01) body weight. Interestingly, the inclusion of BS, either alone or in combination with DA, resulted in a significant increase in total and forward sperm motility. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the seminal concentration of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, was significantly decreased by more than 20% in all groups compared to the control. The combination of both BS and DA led to the highest levels of circulating testosterone, as well as the functionality and membrane integrity of sperms. Additionally, it resulted in increased sperm concentrations, production, and penetration, ultimately leading to improved fertility rate and hatchability percentage. Moreover, a positive association between total motility and fertility was observed (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the combined supplementation of BS and DA up-regulated the relative mRNA expression of P450scc and StAR (P < 0.01). To summarize, dietary inclusion of BS, DA, or their combination have a potential to improve various aspects of reproductive performance in aging roosters.

Analysis of Factors That Influence Fertility in Women in North Kuta District Badung Regency

Fertility is a crucial indicator in demographic studies and has direct implications for population development. The fertility rate refers to the average number of live births that a woman or a population in a specific area and time period can produce. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Badung is relatively low compared to other regions, standing at 1,93. This may influence slower population growth. However, it's important to note that low TFR is not the sole factor affecting population growth. Other factors such as migration, mortality, birth rates, and population mobility can also impact population growth. This research aims to analyze the factors influencing fertility rates in the North Kuta District of Badung Regency. The variables considered in this study include education, family income, age at first marriage, and contraceptive use concerning fertility rates in the North Kuta District of Badung Regency, both simultaneously and partially. The data for this study are entirely based on primary and secondary sources. The research was conducted in the North Kuta District of Badung Regency, with a sample size of 100 couples of childbearing age, using purposive sampling. The analytical technique employed in this research is Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The findings indicate that education has a negative and non-significant influence on fertility, while income, age at first marriage, and contraceptive use have a positive and significant impact on fertility. This research is expected to contribute significantly to improving women's reproductive health in controlling birth rates and enhancing family well-being.

Determinant of Human Development in Nigeria

The research investigates the factors influencing human capital development (HCD) in Nigeria. Historically, the Nigerian government has overlooked the significant deterioration in both human capital development and infrastructure, which leads to decreased productivity in the country's economy. The primary goal of this study is to explore the factors influencing human capital development in Nigeria. The study investigated the patterns and trends of human capital development in Nigeria over a span of 35 years, encompassing the period from 1988 to 2022. Top of Form; examined the factors that determine human capital development in Nigeria. The time series analysis was used to investigate the effect of fertility rate, gross domestic product, inflation rate, human development index. The data utilized in this study were sourced from the World Bank database (WDI) the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The study utilized descriptive measurements, which included mean, median, skewness and kurtosis; just as inferential statistics which included correlation analysis, unit root test, Autoregressive distributed lag model (ADL) and error correction estimates as the estimation tools. The study found proof of short run connection among the variables. The study further found that gross domestic product exhibits a positive effect on the Human Development Index, although this effect is found to be statistically insignificant. (t = 1.32; p = 0.206), fertility rate demonstrates a negative and statistically significant effect on the Human Development Index. (t = -1.66; p = 0.002), inflation rate has positive and significant effect on human development index (t= -0.8; p= 0.0215). This, accordingly, suggests that fertility rate and inflation rate contribute more significantly to human capital development in Nigeria. From the study it is concluded that the fertility rate and inflation rate are the variable that mostly determines human capital development in Nigeria. From the findings, the study suggests enhancing the quality of healthcare services through increased government expenditure in the health sector in other to enhance the quality of human development.

Repercussions of the Recent Economic Downturn on Birth Rates in Greece

A comprehensive analysis of historical economic recessions in developed nations confirms the significant impact of social and economic crises on fertility rates. Across different countries, these effects exhibit common characteristics, such as a modest influence on overall fertility rates, delays in the timing of first childbirth linked to later marriages or unions, and a correlation between unemployment and age-specific fertility. Countries with established family policies and robust social security systems tend to experience less pronounced changes in fertility behavior during economic crises. The recent economic downturn in Greece unfolded amidst unique social conditions, including increased female labor force participation, widespread use of reliable contraception allowing for delayed childbearing, and escalating social security and healthcare costs due to an aging population. These factors may influence reproductive decisions and exacerbate the adverse effects of the recession on fertility rates. This study utilizes the latest official data from Greece to examine the impact of the current economic crisis on fertility levels and their evolution over time.

Impact of Body Reserves Dynamic on Productivity and Reproductive Performance in Fat-Tail and Thin-Tail Sheep Breeds over Contrasting Production Cycles.

Under climate change, animal breeding faces severe nutritional challenges, exhibiting their resilience and efficiency to survive and produce. The animals' robustness can be evaluated through the use and reconstitution of body reserves (BR). This study investigated the dynamics of ewes' BR, measured through body weight (BW) and the body condition score (BCS), and their effect on production performances of 480 ewes belonging to fat-tailed Barbarine (BB) and thin-tailed Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) ewes over two consecutive years. The BW and BCS were recorded across physiological stages. Reproductive parameters and lambs' growth were calculated. For both years and breeds, the decrease in the BCS between mating and lambing showed BR mobilization to balance nutritional restrictions, which continues until suckling; after weaning, a BR accretion was noted. The lambs' birth weight was similar regardless of the dams' BCS at lambing, though it was lower in the second year (3.5 vs. 4 kg). Lambs' growth parameters depended on ewes' BCS at lambing and weaning. Fertility rates changed with BCS changes and the higher values (80%) were recorded for ewes with BCSs between 2 and 2.5. However, prolificacy was similar for both breeds and years (p > 0.05). In conclusion, ewes have developed adaptative capacities through BR mobilization to cope with environmental challenges and successfully rear their offspring. To maintain a high offspring growth rate, it is recommended to plan correct flock nutrition during suckling.

Analysis and Forecast of Birth Related Indicators in Selected Balkan and Eastern European Countries

Background: Health indicators are often used for a variety of purposes, including program management, resource allocation, monitoring of country progress, performance-based payment, and global reporting. Real progress in health towards the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and other national health priorities is vitally dependent on stronger health systems. We aimed to analyse the progress of “birth related indicators” of selected countries of Balkan and Eastern Europe and to forecast their values in the future.&#x0D; Methods: This research report article represents a descriptive data analysis of selected health indicators, extracted from European Health for All database (HFA-DB) and EuroStat. Indicators of interest were analysed for 17 countries in observational period from 1990 to 2019. The data were analysed using a linear trend estimate and median operation and interquartile range 25th–75th percentile were used for better comparison of each country. Forecasting analysis to year 2025 was performed by combining Excel analysis and SPSS program.&#x0D; Results: Number of all live births to mothers aged under 20 is decreasing in almost all examined countries, while live births to mother over 35 is mostly increasing. Total fertility rate is also mainly decreasing in almost all countries of interest for our investigation, as well as the crude birth rate. Estimated infant mortality per 1000 live births is decreasing in all observed countries.&#x0D; Conclusion: Population aging is becoming more pronounced, while current birth-related indicators have negative tendencies; this problem will obviously continue over time.

Enhancing Utilization of Long-Acting Contraceptive Methods among Women: A Study in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital

Family planning is crucial for reducing fertility rates, maternal mortality, and infant welfare. Reversible long-acting contraceptives (LACMs) are effective for women who want to limit childbearing and space births, potentially playing a significant role in reducing maternal mortality. However, the use of LACMs has not kept pace with short acting methods like oral contraceptives and injectables. A study was conducted to determine the level of utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among women attending the MCH clinic at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and related factors. The majority of participants (50.9%) were aged 30-39, married (68.4%), housewives (40.4%), protestant (36.8%), and had attained tertiary education (47.4%). The most common contraceptives used were pills (33.3%), injectable (24.6%), condoms (15.8%), implants (10.5%), IUCD (3.5%), and others (12.3%). Eight participants were using long-acting methods, accounting for 14.0% of the study. Factors associated with the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods included marital status, level of education, residence, partner involvement, knowledge of LACMs, attitude towards LACMs, and access to the desired method of contraception. The study highlights the need for improved access to long-acting contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age. Keywords: Long-Acting Contraceptive, Women, MCH Clinic, Maternal mortality

Prediction Of Population Size and Age Structure in China Based on Grey Prodiction and Leslie Model

Population is a major problem that restricts China's comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish a model that can accurately predict the population and age structure. This paper uses GM (1,1) to obtain the gender ratio of future newborn population and total population, quantifies the three-child policy as the increase in the fertility rate of women of childbearing age, uses the Leslie model to obtain the female population at all ages, and finally gets the national population and age structure in the next five years under the background of the three-child policy. The results show that the opening of the three-child policy positively impacts the increase of the newborn population and the growth rate of the total population in the early future. But as time goes by, it still cannot restrain the decrease in the newborn population and the net increase of the total population. In addition, the aging problem has not been effectively improved in the short term. In the next five years, the proportion of the aged population continues to rise, while the young population gradually decreases. In terms of the labor force coefficient, there will be a downward trend from 2021 to 2025 and a slight increase from 2025 to 2026.

Understanding Multifaceted Determinants of Contraceptive Utilization among Adolescent Females: Insights from Wakiso District, Uganda

Despite global efforts to enhance contraceptive utilization, adolescent females in Uganda face persistent challenges accessing and utilizing modern contraceptive methods, resulting in high fertility rates and maternal mortality. This cross-sectional study investigated the intricate factors influencing contraceptive usage among adolescent females attending Kasangati Health Center IV in Wakiso District, Uganda. Employing questionnaire-based surveys, the study targeted adolescent females attending the health center, utilizing simple random sampling to select 220 participants, as determined by Fisher's formula. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20, presenting comprehensive findings through tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and narratives. The study uncovered a concerning contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of 19% among adolescent females, despite existing awareness of family planning methods. Key determinants of contraceptive usage included limited knowledge about contraception, constrained access to services, entrenched societal norms, and gender dynamics. The findings highlight the urgent need to address these multifaceted barriers to enhance contraceptive utilization and mitigate unmet needs among adolescent females. The study's recommendations encompass targeted educational campaigns, improved accessibility of family planning services, and fostering the engagement of both genders in reproductive health decision-making processes. Ethical considerations were meticulously observed, with informed consent obtained from participants and ethical approval secured from relevant authorities. This study contributes seminal insights into the complex landscape of contraceptive utilization among adolescent females in Uganda, offering critical guidance for policy formulation and programmatic interventions aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes and curtailing maternal mortality rates. Keywords: Contraceptive utilization, Adolescent females, Reproductive health, Family planning, Wakiso District and Uganda

Prediction Of Population Size and Age Structure in China Based on Grey Prodiction and Leslie Model

Population is a major problem that restricts China's comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish a model that can accurately predict the population and age structure. This paper uses GM (1,1) to obtain the gender ratio of future newborn population and total population, quantifies the three-child policy as the increase in the fertility rate of women of childbearing age, uses the Leslie model to obtain the female population at all ages, and finally gets the national population and age structure in the next five years under the background of the three-child policy. The results show that the opening of the three-child policy positively impacts the increase of the newborn population and the growth rate of the total population in the early future. But as time goes by, it still cannot restrain the decrease in the newborn population and the net increase of the total population. In addition, the aging problem has not been effectively improved in the short term. In the next five years, the proportion of the aged population continues to rise, while the young population gradually decreases. In terms of the labor force coefficient, there will be a downward trend from 2021 to 2025 and a slight increase from 2025 to 2026.

Fertility of Czech Gay and Straight Men, Women, and Their Relatives: Testing the Sexually Antagonistic Gene Hypothesis

One proposal for the persistence of homosexuality in the human population is the sexually antagonistic gene hypothesis, which suggests that the lower fertility of homosexual individuals, especially men, may be compensated by higher fertility of their relatives of the opposite sex. To test this hypothesis, we have collected data from 7,312 heterosexual men, 459 gay men, 3,352 heterosexual women, and 79 lesbian women mainly from Czechia. In an online survey, participants answered questions regarding their own as well as their parents’ and grandparents’ fertility. For men, we obtained no significant results except for higher fertility of gay men’s paternal grandmothers, but the magnitude of this effect was very small. For the female sample, we recorded lower fertility of lesbian women’s mothers and fathers. In line with our expectations, both gay men and lesbian women had lower fertility rates than their heterosexual counterparts. Our results are consistent with recent studies which likewise do not support the sexually antagonistic gene hypothesis.