Week 2 - Births, Deaths and Populations

Question 1

Why is a population census important?

Answer 1

1. Population size –> can calculate rates
2. Population structure –> service needs
3. Data on the age and socio-economic makeup of the population enables the government to plan health and social services
4. Indication of need for new housing
5. Indicates employment levels: helping government and businesses plan jobs and training policies
6. Data on transport: planning of roads and public transport
7. Take account of needs of minority groups: unemployed, lone pensioners, single parents, certain ethnic groups;

Question 2

Census

Answer 2

The simultaneous recording of demographic data by the government at a particular time pertaining to all the persons who live in a particular territory.

Question 3

Crude birth rate

Answer 3

Number of live births per 1,000 population

Question 4

General fertility rate

Answer 4

Number of live births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 years

Question 5

Total period fertility rate

Answer 5

The average number of children that would be born to a hypothetical woman in her life.

Question 6

Discuss the main determinants of fertility.

Answer 6

1. Sexual activity: increased sexual activity leads to increased fertility
2. Economic climate: increase leads to increased fertility
3. Contraception: increase leads to reduced fertility
4. Abortion: increase leads to reduced fertility

Question 7

Describe the uses of measures of fertility.

Answer 7

1. Crude birth rate: for describing impact of births on size of population
2. General fertility rate: for comparing fertility of fertile female populations
3. Total period fertility rate: for comparing fertility of fertile females without being influenced by age group structure

Question 8

Describe the features of a population census.

Answer 8

• Run by the government
• Covers a defined area
• Personal enumeration (a person in each household completes Census form)
• Simultaneous throughout defined area
• Universal coverage
• Occurs at regular intervals (10 years in UK)

Question 9

Crude death rate

Answer 9

Number of deaths per 1000 population

Question 10

Age-specific death rate

Answer 10

Number of deaths per 1,000 in age group

Question 11

Standardised mortality ratio

Answer 11

Compares ‘observed’ number of deaths with number ‘expected’ if age-sex distribution of populations were identical; it adjusts for age-sex distribution

Question 12

Uses of mortality rates

Answer 12

1. Classify causes of death
2. Analyse patterns in mortality rates
3. Identify health problems –> inform service needs

Question 13

What variables affect population size and structure?

Answer 13

1. Births - fertility rate determinants
2. Deaths - mortality rate trends
3. Migration - inward and outward migration

Question 14

Population estimates

Answer 14

Apply what is known about births, deaths and migration to the present

Question 15

Population Projections

Answer 15

Estimates that are future orientated and are based on additional assumptions about births, deaths and migrations in the future