Social Inequality, Human Development and Fertility Pattern in Brazil

Gabrielle Carreira
Viviane Dutra, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
José Henrique Monteiro da Silva, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
Raphael Guimaraes

Objective: To analyze fertility pattern in Brazil and its relation with human development among federation units in 2000 and 2010. Methods: This is an ecological study whose unit of analysis was the Brazilian Federative Units in the period of 2000 and 2010 (Gini, Theil and Income Ratio) and indicators of fertility (fertility rate and mean age of fertility). Results: Brazil has been experiencing a rapid fertility transition. The pattern of fertility curves changed in all federal units between 2000 and 2010, suggesting the postponement of fecundity. This change was more evident among the UF with better development and lower inequality. The correlation between social and fertility indicators lost strength in the period, corroborating the transition hypothesis. Conclusions: Changes in the age structure of the population, as well as inequality indicators, should be considered for better planning of public policies in public health.

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 Presented in Session 10. Fertility, Family Planning, Sexual Behavior & Reproductive Health 2