Population Dynamics of an Atoll Community

Lessa, William A.; Myers, George C. (March 1962). "Population Dynamics of an Atoll Community". Population Studies. 15 (3): 244–257. doi:10.1080/00324728.1962.10406074. ISSN 1477-4747 0032-4728, 1477-4747 .

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Abstract: Investigates the dynamics related to population changes within an atoll community, which could refer to demographic shifts, factors influencing population growth or decline, and possibly social and environmental interactions affecting these dynamics.

"...During the period under review there appears to have taken place a dramatic shift in the gradual trend of depopulation characteristic of the atoll community of Ulithi for the first half of the twentieth century. In a previous paper, the senior author suggested that this depopulation could be reasonably attributed to the sterility-inducing effects of gonorrhcea, then prevalent on the islands. This debilitating venereal disease was introduced into the islands most likely early in this present century. Because of a programme of gonorrhcea control introduced in 1948 and continued in the years thereafter, the position was taken that fertility would increase immediately and inevitably lead to an increase in population under otherwise stable demographic conditions. The facts that emerge from analysis of population change in the intercensal period, 1949 to 1960, clearly support this position.

"The importance of these conclusions transcends this case study of Ulithi's population, for it bears on the general demographic conditions characteristic of many populations in underdeveloped countries which have a high prevalence of venereal disease, especially gonorrhcea. The impact of this disease has not been appreciated sufficiently by demographers, particularly those concerned with transition theory. The major significance of widespread gonorrhceal infection is that it affects fertility rather than mortality. Therefore, any control measures introduced result in immediate and striking increases in fertility levels, and thus usually in the level of population We are often inclined to view the salutary effects of health measures upon mortality to the exclusion of effects upon fertility. Our evidence suggests the fallibility of such conclusions."

Extra details:

MAG: 2004745566
OpenAlex: W2004745566
CorpusID: 154022361