Priority research projects on family planning technique during the "Seventh Five-Year Plan" period

Research activities focused on family planning techniques and perinatal care will be given priority during China's 7th 5-Year Plan period. In terms of birth control technology, an emphasis will be placed on improving the reversibility of tubal sterilization and vasectomy, reducing complications (e.g., expulsion) associated with IUD use, refining methods of early pregnancy termination, and development of more long-acting contraceptive methods. Also explored will be the safety and effectiveness of herbs traditionally used for fertility control in China. To facilitate the development of more perfect types of contraceptives, basic research on spermatogenesis, sperm transportation, and fertilization will be conducted continuously. Studies on quality control indicators, pharmacodynamic indicators, and toxicological markers will be emphasized. In the area of eugenics, an emphasis will be placed on the prevention of congenital abnormalities and the monitoring of birth defects. Screening methods for the early diagnosis of genetic diseases will also be explored. Finally, attention will be given to the detection of teratogenic factors in the environment and other preventive measures.     

[An analysis of regional differential mortality].]

Regional differences in mortality and life expectancy in China are explored, and the socioeconomic, cultural, and educational factors affecting such differences are considered using data from the 1982 census. The author notes that mortality, particularly infant mortality, is highest in economically underdeveloped areas, and female infant mortality is high in both rural and urban areas. It is also observed that female life expectancy is 3.26 years longer than for males in urban areas, and 1.38 years longer in rural areas.     

[A brief analysis of the characteristics of the urban population].]

Characteristics of China's urban population are described. These include high population density, significant levels of heterogeneity, and frequent mobility. The problems of having a large transient population in urban areas are considered. Comparisons are made with rural population characteristics.     

[An analysis of the sex ratios at birth of China].]

The sex ratio at birth in China is analyzed using data from the 1982 census. The focus is on geographic differentials in sex distribution and the impact of population density on those differentials. Findings indicate that the sex ratio at birth was lower in urban populations than in rural populations.     

[An inquiry concerning the birth model].]

The author modifies the parity progression model of fertility by using the parity progression ratio as a control indicator of fertility. A regression equation is used to calculate the total fertility rate for China at parity one.     

[The change of the population age structure and employment].]

The age structure of the population and its impact on employment in China is studied. The author notes that the demographic transition has occurred rapidly and that changes in the age structure have created employment problems in various regions of the country. Data are from official Chinese sources. The impact of changes in the age structure on employment over the next 30 years is considered.     

[Also talking about China's population sex ratio].]

The author points out that China's sex ratio is similar to the global sex ratio. Since 1960, the sex ratio in China has fluctuated around 105. The third national census in 1982 indicated a sex ratio for China of 106.3. The author analyzes the sex ratios at birth, in different age groups, and at death, as well as the main causes of death.     

[The situation of China's urban and rural population].]

The accuracy of measurements of the ratio of urban to rural population in China is critically assessed, using data from the 1953, 1964, and 1982 censuses. As explanations for the inaccuracies, the author points to political conditions and to the use of different measurements at different points in time.     

[An introduction to the application of the analytic method of mathematical statistics to population studies].]

Methods of analyzing mathematical statistics and their application in China to population data are examined based on a review of recently published studies in China. Problems identified include a misunderstanding of the relationship between cause and effect, errors in explaining the coefficient in multivariate regression analysis, and errors in dealing with multilinearity problems in multivariate regression analysis.     

[Inquiry into the research method behind our strategy of population development].]

This is a critique of research on which the strategy of China's current population planning is based. The author states that the research process should be more multidimensional, involving both qualitative and quantitative aspects, static and dynamic analyses, and both macro- and micro-level analysis. The strategy should also take into consideration political as well as socioeconomic factors. The article concludes with a summary of macro- and micro-level plans for the country's future population development.     

[A simplification of the iteration method of estimating China's midyear population for 1981].]

An iteration method is used to estimate China's 1981 midyear population, given census data on births and deaths in 1981 and midyear population for 1982. The author mathematically proves the convergence of the iteration method and outlines a simplified method, which is shown to be as accurate as the conventional iteration method.     

[On the size and structure of urban population and the socioeconomic development of China].]

Characteristics of the urban population in China are explored using data from the 1982 census. The author considers the relationships among urban population size and structure and socioeconomic development and discusses urban spatial distribution and development strategies.     

[A preliminary analysis of the migration of urban populations in China].]

The author presents an analysis of migration of urban populations from 1951 to 1986 in China. Size and direction of urban migrant populations and the reasons for migration are included. The rural-urban migration is described as relatively stable in size and controlled by national political factors, economic conditions, and an urban population growth policy.     

[Discussion on improvement of population statistics in cities and towns in China].]

Inconsistencies in available population statistics for China's cities and towns are described. The author suggests improving these statistics by clarifying the definition of urban population and applying modern statistical methods to data collection and analysis.     

[The system of the demography of the aged].]

This is an introduction to the demographic study of the elderly population. Topics covered include reasons for research on the aged and the main subject areas involved, which are population characteristics, demographic aging, and the relationship between demographic aging and socioeconomic development. Some results of recent research are summarized.     

Beijing Municipal Government issued ageing development plan in Twelfth Five-Year Plan period

More rapid population ageing will be one of the features of Beijing in the coming future. Besides the institutions for old-age care at municipal     

[A new study of the marital fertility model].]

The author critically examines the Coale-Trussell marital fertility model, asserting that it is not applicable to the situation in which the marital fertility rate decreases rapidly, such as in the case of China. The limitations of the Coale-Trussell model are outlined and a new model is developed, which is applicable to situations of both rapidly decreasing and moderately decreasing marital fertility rates. Empirical results drawn from an analysis of U.N. data for 1965 and 1981 indicate the greater accuracy and flexibility of the new model as compared with the Coale-Trussell model.     

[On the development of the city system of China].]

Urbanization in China for the period 1922-1982 is studied with the use of a city-size index formulated by the author. Regional variations in city size and urban spatial distribution are compared. Data are from censuses and other official sources.     

[Classification of age-specific fertility and regional differences].]

Differentials in age-specific fertility in China according to economic conditions, culture, and geographic regions are examined using 1982 census data.     

[An inquiry into causes of county-level specific fertility differences in Gansu province].]

Fertility differentials among the 78 counties of Gansu province, China, are analyzed using data from the 1982 census. Three alternative methods of analysis are applied to the data to identify the social, political, and economic factors that affect fertility differentials. The author also notes that changes in population characteristics are associated with fertility differentials.