Factors in the achievement of below - replacement fertility in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fertility fell rapidly in all sectors of the population, despite large differences in degrees of modernization between Chiang Mai City and the rural areas, and by 1974-78 fertility levels were almost equally low in all sectors. A slight increase in age at marriage in the Province can account for only a small share of the fertility decline. Most of the rapid decline can be attributed to FP programs for the following reasons: (1) although older women in Chiang Mai City accepted contraceptives more readily than those in rural areas, the difference in acceptance rates diminished in younger age groups which had been exposed to the programs; within the most productive age group the proportions of contraceptive acceptors were equal in all study areas; and (2) only a small proportion of women with very low fertility did not use modern contraceptives. The study concludes that FP programs are one of the best ways to slow population growth rates to desired low levels in both urban and rural areas. (Author abstract, modified)