Fertility Rates Research Articles

Taurine is essential for mouse uterine luminal fluid resorption during implantation window via the SCNN1A and AQP8 signaling.

Uterine fluid homeostasis during peri-implantation is crucial for successful embryo implantation. Taurine (Tau) plays a crucial role in regulating osmotic pressure and ion transport. However, the precise mechanisms underlying Tau-mediated regulation of uterine fluid homeostasis during peri-implantation in mice remain unclear. In this study, we generated a Tau-deficient mouse model by administering Tau-free diet to Csad knockout (Csad-/-) mice to block endogenous Tau synthesis and exogenous Tau absorption (Csad-/--Tau free). Our findings demonstrated that Csad-/-Tau free mice with diminished level of Tau exhibited decreased rates of embryo implantation and impaired fertility. Further analysis revealed that the expression of Scnn1a was down-regulated during the implantation window, while Aqp8 was upregulated in Csad-/-Tau free mice, leading to uterine luminal fluid retention and defects in luminal closure, resulting in failed embryo implantation. Additionally, it was also found that E2 inhibited uterine Csad expression and Tau synthesis, while P4 promoted them. Therefore, our findings suggest that ovarian steroid hormones regulate Csad expression and Tau synthesis, thereby affecting release and resorption of uterine luminal fluid, ultimately impacting embryo implantation success.

Dietary supplementation with rosemary essential oil improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams

BackgroundMale reproductive performance is an essential part of sheep production; therefore, the use of natural antioxidants to improve sperm quality and maintain reproductive performance in males is very important. Hence, oral administration of rosemary essential oil (REO) was investigated to improve the fertility rate, including the ultrasonographic testes, epididymal tail and genital glands, as well as semen parameters and testosterone concentration. Sixty animals were splitted into two groups, each with 30 rams; the rosemary group (C + REO) received 2 mg/kg/bw and the control group (C-REO). Ultrasound images and blood samples were collected at 15, 30 and 45 days of the REO treatment.ResultsThe testis and epididymal tail ultrasonographic assessments demonstrated a significant enhancement in the C + REO group compared to the C-REO group. However, the rams in the C + REO group showed significant improvements in the pampini-form plexus, seminal vesicle, Cowper's and prostate genital glands compared to the C-REO group. The data showed that the sperm cell concentration (× 109/ml) and individual motility (%) were significantly improved in the C + REO group. Furthermore, ejaculate volume (ml) in the C + REO group was significantly higher than that in the C-REO group. While the animals treated with REO did not improve live spermatozoa (%), it reduced the abnormalities of spermatozoa (%) compared to the C-REO group. Also, the C + REO group significantly increased the testosterone concentration more than the C-REO group.ConclusionIt can be concluded that supplementation with 2 mg/kg/bw REO improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams.

Globalization, economic and social development, and fertility decline in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The fertility rate in Bangladesh has declined spectacularly from 6.8 in 1975 to 1.9 in 2021. This macro-level study assesses the role of globalization and a few economic and social variables on fertility rate for an extended period, 1975–2021, and separately for 1981–2021 and 1990–2021. It finds that globalization and each of its components are instrumental in declining fertility. The role of income is mostly positive. Educational attainment causes a declining fertility rate. Besides, a few estimations involving mean years of schooling (MYS) of males and females reveal an interesting fact that the MYS of males causes declining fertility, while that of females has the opposite impact. The impact of life expectancy is positive in the long run but negative in the short run. Population growth causes a rise in the fertility rate, while gender development has no consequential impact. The findings of this thorough analysis are unique as they document the impact of globalization as well as some other potential variables on the fertility rate. Previous studies have mostly concentrated on the role of family programs and the use of contraceptive use in Bangladesh.

Factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among reproductive age women in Cambodia; evidenced by the recent Cambodia demographic and health survey

IntroductionCambodia is a low-income country with limited access to family planning (FP) in terms of modern contraceptive utilization. Despite several FP programs designed to make contraceptives accessible, adoption of contraceptives has been difficult in Cambodia, which has high rates of fertility and maternal mortality. This gap in essential care can put women and adolescent girls at greater risk of adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, unwanted pregnancy, or even maternal death. One of the goals set by the government to decrease both maternal and child mortality and morbidity was increasing the modern contraceptives utilization. So, the main objective of this study was to evaluate spatial variations in modern contraceptives utilization and its contributing factors among women.MethodsData from the Cambodia 2021–22 Demographic and Health Survey datasets were used for secondary data analysis. A total of 19,496 women of reproductive age participated in the study. A spatial and multilevel mixed effects analysis was done on the factors affecting modern contraceptives utilization among Cambodian women. Finally, the percentage, odd ratio, together with their 95% confidence intervals and the results of the spatial analysis were provided.ResultThe prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 31.2% in Cambodia. Living in an urban area [AOR = 1.224; 95% CI = (1.126.1.330); P = 0.0001]; being married [AOR = 34.131; 95% CI= (12.673, 91.921); P = 0.0001]; and having a history of terminated pregnancy [AOR = 1.137; 95% CI= (1.055, 1.225); P = 0.0001] were found to be positively associated with modern contraceptive utilization. In contrast to this, being between the age range of 46–49 [AOR = 0.421; 95% CI = (0.364, 0.487); P = 0.0001]; being a female-headed household [AOR = 0.784; 95% CI = (0.723, 0.850); P = 0.0001]; and current breast feeding [AOR = 0.84; 95% CI = (0.75, 0.93); P = 0.010] were found to be negatively associated with modern contraceptive utilization. Additionally, the spatial analysis of modern contraceptive utilization showed that a higher proportion was utilized in the southern and southwest regions of Cambodia.ConclusionIn this study, living in urban area, being married and having history of terminated pregnancy were found positively associated with modern contraceptive utilization. In contrast to this, being old age, being female headed household and being currently breast-feeding women were found negatively associated with modern contraceptive utilization. In addition to this, there were geographic (spatial) variations in modern contraceptive utilization among Cambodian’s women across the country.

Exploring the determinants of fertility rates in Ethiopia: a decomposition analysis using count regression models with a focus on urban and rural residence, based on the 2019 Ethiopian demographic health survey

IntroductionFertility refers to the biological capacity to reproduce and have children. It is a key aspect of reproductive health influenced by various factors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the determinants of fertility rates based on urban and rural settings in Ethiopia.MethodA stratified two-stage cluster sampling approach was used, employing data from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (https://dhsprogram.com). The study comprised 8,885 women aged 15 to 49 years. The study employed Stata 17, and the data was described using descriptive statistics. Associations were examined using decomposition analysis and negative binomial regression. The Incidence Rate Ratio and p-value were used to determine the statistical significance of the variables examined.ResultsThe negative binomial regression found that factors such as maternal age (IRR, 1.08, P-value,0.00), living in rural (IRR,1.09, P-value,0.00), being Muslim (IRR,1.13, P-value,0.00), being from other religious groups (IRR,1.16, P-value,0.00), having six up to nine household members (IRR,1.24, P-value,0.00), having greater than nine household member(IRR,1.14, P-value,0.04), having one child under five year (IRR,1.35, P-value,0.00), having two children under five year (IRR,1.77, P-value,0.00), and having more than two under five years (IRR,1.99, P-value,0.00), being currently pregnant (IRR,1.08, P-value,0.00), use of contraceptive(IRR,1.13, P-value,0.00) are positively associated with bearing more children. On the other hand, completing primary education (IRR,0.84, P-value,0.00), secondary education (IRR,0.61, P-value,0.00), being from the richest household (IRR = 0.94, P-value,0.00), and being single/divorced and widowed (IRR,0.49, P-value,0.00) are negatively associated with having more children because their IRR is less than one. The decomposition analysis also demonstrated that marital status has a stronger negative correlation with fertility in rural compared to urban settings. Additionally, the number of children under five exerts a greater influence on fertility in urban areas.Conclusionthe study found significant rural-urban differences in the factors shaping fertility in Ethiopia. While demographics like maternal age, education, and wealth influenced fertility in both settings, the relationships varied in nature and magnitude. To address this, Policymakers should develop targeted fertility programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by rural and urban populations.

Reproductive Health Status in India: Comparison of NFHS-IV and NFHS-V Findings

Background This study investigates the disparities in reproductive health and the underlying causes in various Indian states. Based on a large-scale population-based, nationally representative data set, this study aims to track the changes between National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-IV and NFHS-V in the status of reproductive health and examine the factors contributing to it in various regions of India for women aged 15–49 years in 29 states (NFHS-IV and V). Methods According to claims, in India’s states’ reproductive health status is gauged by the reproductive health index (RHI). The total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, childbirth order, mother-and-child delivery care and female educational attainment rate are the five variables that make up this composite index. Results In NFHS-IV, India’s RHI score was 61.5, and in NFHS-V, it was 67.8. Although there has been progress in RHI, it has not been at the level that was anticipated. Eleven NFHS-IV states and eight NFHS-V states have index values below India’s RHI threshold. Conclusion To move the situation forward, desires for using contraception should be given more weight. The level of educational achievement of women should also be raised, as should their passionate participation in economic activity.

Demographic transition in South Korea: implications of falling birth rates.

This review examines the critical issues of declining total fertility rates (TFRs) and aging populations in East Asia with special focus on South Korea. It provides a comprehensive analysis of TFR trends, aging demographics, and the policy responses of these nations to the low-fertility crisis. This study highlights the intricate tapestry of the factors contributing to these demographic shifts, including economic, social, and cultural influences. It also examines the effectiveness of various prenatal policies implemented across these countries, offering insight into their successes and limitations. Furthermore, it explores the role of immigration as a potential solution to the structural challenges posed by low birth rates. This review underscores the importance of multifaceted strategies for addressing the complex demographic challenges faced by South Korea.

Urban primacy and slum prevalence in Latin American and Caribbean countries in the 1990-2020 period

Slums are a global concern due to their impact on urban health and urban planning. Although Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the most urbanized developing regions, slums are still a significant concern. However, most studies have concentrated on a single city, using a sample of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries or treating the region as one unit to analyze income inequality and urban primacy. Here, we present an analysis of the relationship between slums and urban primacy for LAC countries for the 1990–2020 period, controlling for GDP per capita and public spending on housing. In addition, we model the relationship between slums and demographic variables such as the fertility rate, migration rate, and urbanization. e analysis is based on panel data from the World Bank and e Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). During the period of study, a clear positive relationship is evident between urban primacy in the largest city and the slum rate in each LAC country. However, a high level of heterogeneity is observed in this relationship and our model explains the variation in the slum rate within countries better than the variation between countries.

Having two children might be best for women's mental health: Evidence from UK Biobank

BackgroundLimited research has examined the association between the number of live births and bipolar disorder and major depression (BDMD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the number of live births and BDMD among women in the UK, providing a theoretical basis for reproductive decision-making. MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized data from >55,000 women in the UK Biobank. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) logistic regression models were employed to reduce bias and confounding. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to examine the relationship between live births and BDMD, while restricted cubic spline regression was utilized to analyze the nonlinear association between the number of live births and BDMD. Subgroup analyses were conducted, stratifying by age, BMI, spontaneous abortion, induced abortion, and spontaneous abortion. ResultsThe IPTW-multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that live births serve as an independent protective factor against BDMD. In IPTW-multivariate Model 4, the odds ratio (OR) for the live births group was 0.71 (95 % CI 0.69–0.73, P < 0.001). A significant nonlinear relationship was identified between the number of live births and the risk of BDMD. Additionally, it was found that women with two live births exhibited the lowest risk of BDMD. ConclusionOur study demonstrated that live births are an independent protective factor against BDMD. This research holds particular significance in the context of globally declining fertility rates and the increasing prevalence of mental disorders. It provides guidance for women on fertility decisions amid declining global fertility rates and increasing mental health issues.

What drives period fertility rates during post-recession spells?

What drives period fertility rates during post-recession spells?

Determinants of Fertility Intentions among South Koreans: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background/objectives: This study aims to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of factors influencing fertility intentions among South Koreans. This research is crucial given South Korea's lowest-in-the-world fertility rate of 0.72 in 2023, necessitating rapid and effective policies to address this demographic challenge; (2) Methods: Articles published from database inception through April 2024 were collected from five Korean databases using keywords based on the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) framework. Following PRISMA guidelines, 35 articles were selected. The effect sizes and network of predictors related to fertility intention were analyzed using the R statistical package; (3) Results: A meta-analysis of the effect sizes of factors influencing fertility intentions revealed that the husband's involvement in parenting (ESr = 0.131), women's education level (ESr = 0.127), socioeconomic status (ESr = 0.116), and the expected gender of the child (ESr = 0.068) showed statistically significant positive effects. Conversely, women's age (ESr = -0.175), parental stress (ESr = -0.146), and household labor ratio (ESr = -0.117) showed statistically significant negative effects. The network analysis further elucidated the complex interrelationships among these factors; (4) Conclusions: This study suggests the need for multifaceted policy approaches to address Korea's low fertility, emphasizing promoting men's participation in parenting, supporting women's education and career development, reducing parenting stress, supporting work-family balance, and ensuring economic stability. These findings provide important insights for policymakers and researchers addressing the complex issue of low fertility in South Korea and may inform more effective interventions to boost fertility rates.

Reproductive life and differentiated thyroid carcinoma in women: reciprocal influences on their respective outcome.

To analyze the reciprocal influences between female reproductive life and DTC management. Data on pregnancy outcome in DTC patients indicate that after conceiving, these women may need an increased L-T4 dose to maintain suppressed serum TSH levels. Nevertheless, this does not determine major harm in terms of pregnancy outcome. Analogously, the most recent findings obtained with the propensity score matching approach have confirmed that pregnancy does not significantly affect DTC clinical course and eventually tumor prognosis. A recent metanalysis and a large case-control study excluded a significant effect of radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) on several reproductive variables in DTC patients, providing reassuring evidence that the current recommendations on RAIT for women of childbearing age are sufficiently well tolerated and do not affect fertility nor pregnancy rate. Overall, the most recent studies have provided sufficiently reassuring evidence that the occurrence of pregnancy and DTC management are of no reciprocal harm for adverse outcome in affected women of childbearing age. Thus, female DTC patients should be managed according to the individual response to treatment before pregnancy. When DTC diagnosis is made after conception, delaying surgery does not represent a harm in most patients.

Trends and predictors of severe and moderate anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in India: an analysis of three rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data

BackgroundChildhood anaemia remains a significant public health problem in India, as it adversely affects child development and overall health outcomes. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence of severe and moderate anaemia among children aged 6–59 months and identify consistent predictors of this condition over the past 15 years.MethodsData from the three most recent rounds of the NFHS were used for this analysis. The final weighted sample included 40,331 children from the NFHS-3 (2005–2006), 200,093 from the NFHS-4 (2015–2016), and 178,909 from the NFHS-5 (2019–2021). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with severe and moderate anaemia in children aged 6–59 months. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 14.ResultsOver the past 15 years, the prevalence of severe and moderate anaemia among children in India has shown a slight decline. However, the influence of various predictors has changed over time. Young children (aged 6–23 months), those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, and children born to mothers with high parity and low educational attainment remain particularly vulnerable to anaemia. Additionally, short-term illness significantly increases the risk of anaemia. Furthermore, women’s autonomy, indicated by higher education and lower fertility rates, along with maternal nutrition education, have emerged as key factors in reducing anaemia burden in the future. Notably, children whose mothers had no education were 1.4 times more likely to suffer from severe or moderate anaemia. Similarly, children born to mothers with four to five children (OR 1.1, p < 0.05) and those with six or more children (OR 1.2, p < 0.05) had an elevated risk of anaemia.ConclusionThe findings highlight three key areas for programmatic focus to accelerate anaemia reduction in India: [1] targeting young children (aged 6–23 months); [2] ensuring the inclusion of SC and ST communities in all relevant interventions; and [3] promoting women’s autonomy. These strategies are essential for reducing the burden of anaemia across the country.

Bioactive compounds enrichment in rabbit doe’s diet pre-and during pregnancy improves productive and reproductive performance and cost-effectiveness under hot climates

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with a symbiotic (SY), bee pollen (BP), honey bee (HB), date palm pollen (DPP) and their mixture (MIX) on female rabbit productive and reproductive performances under desert hot climates. Seventy-two Californian does of 5 months age and average body weight of 3250 ± 78.2 g were randomly allotted into six groups, each of 12 does. All does orally receive 3 ml distilled water for 10 days before mating and 28 days during pregnancy. Treatments were repeated for four consecutive parities. The first group served as control (C) given distilled water only, however the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with 3 ml distilled water containing 0.2 ml SY, 200 mg DPP, 200 mg BP, 0.2 ml HB/doe per day, respectively. While, the sixth group does were given all previous ingredients (MIX). Sexual receptivity rate, fertility rate, kindling rate, and newborn traits were recorded. Also, maternal feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and digestibility coefficients of nutrients were recorded. Does in all groups were artificially inseminated with 0.5 ml of fresh heterospermic semen of 15 fertile bucks extended in Tris at 806–1006 sperm/ml. Treatment increased maternal body weight and daily gain with highest values (P < 0.05) in BP, SY, and MIX does. All treatments enhanced feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with control. Number services per conception decreased (P < 0.01), while litter size and weight and survival at birth and weaning increased (P < 0.01) in treated than control does. Treated does produced more milk than control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients were improved (P < 0.01) in treated does. In conclusion, supporting rabbit does pre- and during pregnancy with diets supplemented with a mixture of honey bee, date palm pollen, bee pollen, and synbiotic improves the productive and reproductive performances of rabbit does and their offspring.

Cryopreservation of bovine sperm causes single-strand DNA breaks that are localized in the toroidal regions of chromatin

BackgroundSperm cryopreservation is widely used in the cattle industry, as it allows for disassociating the localization of sires and the collection of semen from the timing of artificial insemination. While freeze-thawing is known to impair sperm DNA integrity, whether the damage induced consists of single- (SSB) or double-strand breaks (DSB) has not been determined. In addition, no previous study has addressed if DNA breaks preferentially reside in specific genome regions such as those forming the toroid linker regions, or are rather spread throughout the regions linked to protamines. The main aim of the present work, therefore, was to elucidate the type and localization of the DNA damage generated by cryopreservation and to evaluate its impact on artificial insemination outcomes in cattle.ResultsThe incidence of SSB and DSB was evaluated in 12 ejaculates before and after cryopreservation with the Comet assay, and the localization of the DNA breaks was assessed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Before cryopreservation, the incidence of SSB was 10.99% ± 4.62% and involved 20.56% ± 3.04% of sperm cells, whereas these figures significantly (P < 0.0001) increased up to 34.11% ± 3.48% and 53.36% ± 11.00% in frozen-thawed sperm. In contrast, no significant differences in the incidence of DSB were observed (P > 0.990) before and after cryopreservation (before: incidence of 13.91% ± 1.75% of sperm DNA affecting 56.04% ± 12.49% of sperm cells; after: incidence of 13.55% ± 1.55% of sperm DNA involving 53.36% ± 11.00% of sperm cells). Moreover, PFGE revealed that the percentage of sperm DNA fragments whose length was shorter than a toroid (< 31.5 kb) was greater (P < 0.0001) after (27.00% ± 4.26%) than before freeze-thawing (15.57% ± 4.53%). These differences indicated that the DNA breaks induced by cryopreservation affect the regions condensed in protamines, which are structured in toroids. On the other hand, in vivo fertility rates were associated to the incidence of SSB and DSB in frozen-thawed sperm (P = 0.032 and P = 0.005), but not with the size of the DNA fragments resulting from these breaks (P > 0.05).ConclusionCryopreservation of bovine sperm generates single-strand DNA breaks, which are mainly located in protamine-condensed toroidal regions. The incidence of DNA breaks in cryopreserved sperm has an impact on cattle fertility, regardless of the size of generated fragments.

Economic Growth Model with Fertility Incentives: A Theoretical Analysis Framework and Policy Simulation for China

This study presents an overlapping generation model to examine the impact of fertility incentive policies on economic growth in China, incorporating endogenous fertility, education, and technological advancement by integrating unified growth theory with an R&amp;D-based growth model. We analyze the impact of fertility incentive policies on economic growth by evaluating maternity insurance and public education. The results show that increasing the actual contribution rate of maternity insurance, maternity benefits, and public education expenditures can boost China’s fertility rate; nevertheless, extending maternity leave would not incentivize an increase in the fertility rate. The impact of fertility incentives on economic growth is ambiguous, depending upon the extent to which increased fertility dilutes aggregate human capital via technical advancement. If the dilution effect is weak, the sign will turn positive, and vice versa. The simulation analysis of the benchmark model indicates that the fertility incentive policy, which encompasses increasing the actual contribution rate of maternity insurance, maternity benefits, and public education expenditure, can foster economic growth in China by enhancing the fertility rate in the long term.

Secular variation and risk factors of preterm birth in Hainan, the Free Trade Port in China from 2010 to 2021

ObjectivesPreterm delivery rates have increased obviously worldwide over the past decade, yet reliable epidemiological studies on the incidence of preterm birth and temporal trends are not available in Hainan, The Free Trade Port in China. We aimed to describe the rate of preterm birth and trends between 2010 and 2021 and to primarily explore risk factors associated with preterm birth in Hainan, China.MethodsThis was an observational study was based on data from the Hainan Provincial Birth Certificate System (HPBCS) for live births between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2021. We included pregnancies resulting in at least one live birth, with newborns born at a gestational age of 28 weeks or greater, or with a birth weight of 1000 g or more. The outcome were preterm birth rates and their trends over time. Potential risk factors were collected, including infant gender, maternal age, paternal age, maternal ethnicity, paternal ethnicity, home address, and single or multiple pregnancies. The logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between preterm birth and potential risk factors.ResultsA total of 1,537,239 live births and 86,328 preterm births were investigated, giving a total preterm birth rate of 5.62%. The overall preterm birth rate increased from 4.47% in 2010 to 7.12% in 2021 (compound annual growth rate [CAGR] 4.32). The CAGR of late preterm birth is consistent with the overall preterm birth rate (4.32%). The fastest growth is observed in the rate of very preterm births (5.53%), while the rate of moderate preterm births exhibits the slowest growth (3.87%). Infant gender, multiple pregnancy, home address, parental age, and ethnicity had significant effects on preterm birth.ConclusionThe preterm birth rate was increasing year by year from 2010 to 2021 in Hainan, The Free Trade Port in China. Incidence of preterm births in Hainan Province in relation to multiple pregnancies, infant sex, parental age, parental race and residential address.

Evaluation of Population Projections for Serbia 2011-2041 after the 2022 Census Results

Following the 2022 Population Census, the first assessment of Serbia's official population projections based on data from the 2011 Census and other vital statistics and migration sources has become feasible. According to the Census results, the population of Serbia in 2022 is approximately 2.3% below the projected values for that year, according to the closest projection variant – the constant variant. This paper explores the differences in terms of projected and realized values of fertility, mortality, and migration balance. Hypotheses regarding the total fertility rate and the number of live births were largely confirmed. However, a notable deviation was observed in mortality rates, primarily attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic period, during which life expectancy decreased by nearly two years. Apart from the pandemic's effect, the deviation between projected and realized population values is also due to the assumption of a positive migration balance for the period 2011-2022. Contrary to this optimistic assumption, the vital statistics method reveals negative external migration during this period.

Barriers to modern contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia.

Contraception is a critical service for women to control their reproductive health, allowing them to determine the number and spacing of their children prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality from associated with childbirth, and reduce the likelihood of abortions. Despite its benefits, the utilization of modern contraceptive methods remains low in certain regions of Ethiopia, Particularly in Afar and Somali, which are also experiencing high fertility rates. However, there is a substantial gap in understanding the sociocultural barriers that hinder the adoption of modern contraception in these regions. This study aims to explore these barriers to contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Afar and Somali regions, providing qualitative insights that are essential for designing effective strategies to improve contraceptive service utilization. Asequential mixed method approach was employed, including scoping review and qualitative interviews. Scoping review focused on qualitative or mixed-methods studies conducted in Ethiopia and published between 2013 and 2023 in English, Selecting 14 articles Additionally, qualitative data were collected from Afar and Somali regions through In-depth interviews with women aged 15-49 who are married or in consensual union, and key informant interviews with health extension workers and contraception providers at health center. A total of 20 in-depth interviews and 07 key informants were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The integrated findings from the scoping review and qualitative study reveal various barriers and determinants influencing contraceptive use among women in Ethiopia. Barriers includes religious or cultural beliefs, myths and misconceptions, fear of side effects, lack of knowledge and misinformation, negative attitude towards contraceptives, partner opposition, socio-cultural factors, fear of being judged by family and friends, and lack of communication between husband and wife, husband altitude, distance from health facility, availability of service and different contraceptive choice, separate room for family planning services, and cost of contraceptive method and transportation. The scoping review corroborates these findings, emphasizing on the role of socio-demographic, economic, cultural, religious, health service, and knowledge-related factors. Higher education, urban residence, higher income, mass media exposure, spousal communication, family size, and access to quality health services were associated with increased utilization, while lack of awareness, misconceptions, myths, side effects, fear of infertility, partner opposition, social stigma, and cultural norms decreased utilization. The study recommended promoting contraceptive use, challenging socio-cultural norms through Social Behavioural Communication and Counselling (SBCC), engaging partners and community members, and improving the quality of care.

Dynamics of Human Fertility, Environmental Pollution, and Socio-Economic Factors in Aral Sea Basin

One of the worst natural, economic, and social catastrophes caused by human activity is the Aral Sea crisis in Central Asia. The Aral Sea’s desiccation, which has an impact on the region’s overall sustainable development, human welfare, security, and survival, is what led to the problem. This study assesses the effects of economic expansion, population ageing, life expectancy, internet usage, and greenhouse gas emissions on the fertility rate in the countries that made up the Aral Sea basin between 1990 and 2021. Several econometric techniques were used in this study, including Pooled OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) with the Driscoll–Kraay estimating method, FMOLS (Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square), and DOLS (Dynamic Ordinary Least Square). Additionally, we used the Hurlin and Dumitrescu non-cause tests to verify the causal links between the variables. The empirical findings verify that a decrease in the fertility rate among women in the nations surrounding the Aral Sea occurs when the population of a certain age (women aged 15–64 as a percentage of the total population) grows and life expectancy rises. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) also have an adverse effect on reproductive rates. Conversely, the region’s fertility rate may rise as a result of increased internet usage and economic growth. Furthermore, this study indicates that certain variables—aside from greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)—have a causal relationship with the fertility rate.