Social biology
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The Vietnam 1988 survey established the first national estimates for reproductive preferences and behavior. It created a unique baseline for levels and differentials, both for the marked differences between North and South, and for various social and demographic categories. It also provided the first national data for program guidance, including information on unmet need. ⋯ Surprisingly, most have never used a contraceptive method before, even though Vietnam has had a vigorous family planning program and 49 per cent of all couples in the survey reported some experience with a modern contraceptive method. In terms of sheer numbers, those in need are distributed very widely throughout the country. The most disadvantaged segments of the population have both high percentages and large numbers in need, but the concentration of the national program upon a single contraceptive method restricts their options.
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Although fertility declines have taken place in several Arab countries, the Arab nations are growing rapidly. In Saudi Arabia, the total fertility rate (TFR) is 7.1, and the growth rate is 3.5 per cent per year, among the highest in the world. This research examines the structural determinants (indirect indicators) of fertility attitudes and behavior among Saudi Arabian students studying in American universities. ⋯ S., and wife's age and wife's education. Results indicate a highly significant effect of religiosity as a major positive determinant of fertility attitudes. However, the major determinant of fertility behavior, the number of children respondents had, was wife's education which was negatively related with family size.
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Accidents, injuries, and outcomes from adverse effects have been identified as the second leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). However, no studies have been done which analyze violent deaths (homicides, suicides, and other accidents) for this population with a focus on time trends. For this study, overall and gender-specific mortality rates due to violent deaths were computed for 1973-88. ⋯ However, the male-female ratio for homicides and other accidents has remained unchanged, and the ratio for suicide has been increasing. While the gap between age-adjusted rates have been narrowing, the age-adjusted rates for AI/AN have remained consistently above those of the U. S. general population.