Socio-Demographic Influences on Fertility Levels among Elderly Women in Manipur, North East India

Abstract

Manipur, situated amidst a dynamic demographic landscape, stands as a notable region with elevated fertility rates within the broader context of India. Despite concerted efforts directed towards achieving stability in population growth as delineated in the National Population Policy (NPP) - 2000, there exists a conspicuous absence of community-based studies dedicated to unraveling the determinants of completed fertility in Manipur. This study endeavours to delve into the underlying socio-demographic factors contributing to the variations in completed fertility among menopausal women aged 50-55 years in Manipur. Conducted through a retrospective cross-sectional analysis, the study engaged 1129 ever-married women who have traversed menopause, within the districts of Imphal East and Imphal West in Manipur. Data collection transpired between August 2019 and June 2020, with 11th July 2019 designated as the reference date for the survey. Employing multiple binary logistic regression models, the investigation unveils significant associations between completed fertility with 3.2 births at an average and several key variables, notably education level (P<0.01), the sex of the second-born child (P<0.01), and the couple's inclination towards having a son (P<0.01). These findings not only furnish invaluable insights into the determinants of fertility within the context of Manipur but also serve as foundational knowledge for prospective research endeavours aimed at fostering maternal health development and aligning with the overarching objectives of India's national population control strategies. By comprehensively elucidating the socio-demographic nuances underpinning fertility patterns, this study paves the way for informed interventions and policy formulations geared towards ensuring sustainable population dynamics in Manipur and beyond.