Demographic Trends

Question 1

Identify 3 reasons for the decline in the death rate.

Answer 1

• Decline in deaths from infectious diseases.
• Medical improvements.
• improved nutrition.
• Public health measures and environmental improvements.
• Other social changes.

Question 2

What are the reasons for a decline in the deaths from infectious diseases?

Answer 2

• Population began to develop some natural resistance.
• Disease became less powerful.
• Compulsory buster jabs against disease e.g. mumps, flu etc.

Question 3

What are the reasons for medical improvements?

Answer 3

• Advances in antibiotics +immunisation.
• Advances in blood transfusions and higher standard of midwifery=decease in infant mortality rate.
• Publicly funded national health service=health care available to all.
• Improved medication by pass surgery=heart disease reduced by 1/3 - extends peoples lives.

Question 4

Reasons for improved nutrition?

Answer 4

• Increased resistance of people to infectious diseases e.g. TB.
• Increased survival chances of those who do become infected.
• McKeown argues nutrition is the most important factor for reducing the death rate.

Question 5

Reasons for Public health measures and environmental improvements?

Answer 5

• Improved local government = laws enforced led to a range of improvements in public health and quality of environment.
• Improved housing.
• Cleaner drinking water.
• Clean air act reduced pollution.

Question 6

Reasons for other social changes?

Answer 6

• Decline in dangerous manual occupations e.g. mining
• Smaller families reduced the transition of infection.
• Greater public knowledge to the causes of illness.
• Higher incomes allowing healthier lifestyles.