Evolution of Fertility in the Autonomous Region of Valencia 1975-1990

Abstract

Background: To study the evolution of specitic cases of fertility by age groups in the Autonomous Region of Valencia, between 1975 and 1990, and compare this development with the evolution on a national level. Methods: The specific fertility rates were calculated for seven 5-year age groups within the female fertility period (15-49 years). The number of births per age of mother (Natural Movement of the Spanish Population) has been used and the denominator is the female population calculated be geometrical interpolation from the figures provided by different censuses and electoral roles for each one of the age groups. The study period is 1975 to 1990. Results: The evolution of the fertility rate in the Autonomous Region of Valencia is declining in all age groups except the 30-34 year age group, where fertility showed a slight increase at the end of the eighties, the same as in the rest of the country. Worthy of mentioned is the 15-19 year old group, with figures below the national level, and the 25-29 year old group, where the figures are greater than for the rest of the country as a whole. On a province (county) level, the development is similar to what has been described above. Alicante has the highest figure out of the three provinces (counties) for women in the l5- 19 and 35-39 year age ranges. Conclusion: The evolution of the fertility rate in the Autonomous Community of Valencia is similar to the evelopment in the rest of the country, a slight increase being detected in women in the 30 to 40 year group, which is similar to what has happened in other European countries.