A conceptual model for the identification, organization, and measure of influence of fertility policies and programs

Abstract

The conceptual model presented allows for the identification and organization of different kinds of fertility policies and programs, as they affect fertility, and the relevant elements of the sociocultural variables, dichotomized into “structural” and “cultural” components, that can be associated with fertility. Support for the model was obtained by “fitting” Puerto Rican fertility policies and programs, and structural and cultural components, to the model. Seventeen regression equations using polynomials to the third degree are used for the statistical interpretation of the Puerto Rican data. The results indicate that the use and interpretation of the model and some of the polynomial regression analyses are successful.