Seminar & Publication Details
- Seminar Title: ICSSR Sponsored National Seminar on Emerging Trends in Anthropological Research in North East India
- Organized By: Department of Anthropology, Moridhal College, Moridhal, District: Dhemaji, Assam
- Date: 1st & 2nd December, 2017
- Publication Source: Anthology of Abstracts, Pages 4–5
Paper Specifications
- Title: DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES WITH REFERENCE TO FERTILITY PERFORMANCE: A STUDY AMONG THE KAIBARTAS OF ASSAM
- Author: Jyoti Hazarika
- Affiliation: Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University
- Study Area: Deodubi Gaon and Sonapur No.2 Gaon of Dhemaji district, Assam
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study is to understand the demographic structure of the Kaibarta population living in Dhemaji district of Assam. An attempt has also been made to understand the fertility performance as well as the population mating pattern, admixture rate, migration, educational level, occupation pattern etc. of the studied population. It is also attempted to compare the present data with other population groups from North East India that has already been studied.
To know the demographic profiles of the Kaibarta population, 215 households were surveyed in the two villages namely Deodubi Gaon and Sonapur No2 Gaon of Dhemaji district of Assam. Data on fertility performance were collected from 251 Kaibarta ever-married women who have at least one child through in-depth interview adopting retrospective methods. A pretested demographic survey schedule was used for collecting data while specially designed fertility schedules were administered for collecting data regarding fertility performance and mortality differentials.
Among Kaibarta, agriculture is the mainstay of living followed by daily wage earning for male while women remain busy in household activities. The literacy rate is found to be relatively higher among male. The total dependency ratio is 54.97 that indicate fairly lower working population. The mean conception and live birth are 3.62 and 2.94 respectively. The incidence of infant mortality is recorded to be relatively higher in comparison to the child and juvenile mortality.
Kaibarta mothers from nuclear families have recorded a higher incidence of miscarriage/ abortion and stillbirth whereas the frequency of postnatal mortality recorded as high among the mothers who live in a joint family. Mean conception and live birth decreases with the increased age at marriage and educational status of mother that reveals an association between fertility performances, mother’s age at marriage and maternal education. Thus it can be concluded that female education is a vital factor that influenced all key determinants of fertility.
Core Variables & Findings For Your Reference:
- Sample Size: 215 households surveyed; data collected from 251 ever-married Kaibarta women with at least one child.
- Vital Statistics: Mean conception rate is 3.62 and mean live birth rate is 2.94.
- Dependency Ratio: 54.97, showing a relatively lower working-age population.
- Family Type Impact: Mothers from nuclear families showed higher rates of miscarriages/abortions and stillbirths, while postnatal mortality was higher in joint families.
- Key Conclusion: Maternal education and age at marriage are the most critical factors, as increased education directly correlates with a reduction in mean conception and live births.
