Which of the following is the best definition of fertility rate?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: The number of births per 1,000 women of reproductive age

Rationale:

Fertility rate is a demographic measure that indicates the number of live births occurring in a year per 1,000 women of reproductive age (usually defined as ages 15 to 49) in a given population. This metric helps in understanding the reproductive behavior and potential population growth within a specific region.
It is a crucial indicator used by demographers and policymakers to assess and plan for the future needs in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic development.

Explanation of Other Options:

The total number of live births per 1,000 people in a population

Rationale: This describes the crude birth rate, not the fertility rate. The crude birth rate measures the number of live births in a year per 1,000 individuals in the entire population, including men, women, and children.

The number of children born to an individual woman during her lifetime

Rationale: This describes the total fertility rate (TFR), which estimates the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. While related, it is not the same as the fertility rate which is measured annually.

The ratio of births to deaths in a population over one year

Rationale: This describes the natural increase rate or natural growth rate of a population, which is the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths over a year, expressed as a ratio. It is a broader measure of population growth, not specifically focused on fertility.

Conclusion:

Fertility rate specifically measures the number of births per 1,000 women of reproductive age within a year. It is distinct from other measures such as the crude birth rate, total fertility rate, and natural increase rate, which have different focal points and uses in demographic analysis.