Birth rate decline in the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of policy interventions, vaccination programmes and economic uncertainty

Human Reproduction Open, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 2024(3)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What are the factors influencing decline in birth rates observed higher-income countries later phase of COVID-19 pandemic? SUMMARY ANSWER Our results suggest that economic uncertainty, non-pharmaceutical policy interventions, and first wave population-wide vaccination campaign were associated with during 2022. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY During pandemic, most briefly declined then shortly recovered, showing no common trends afterwards until early 2022, when they unexpectedly dropped. DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study uses data on monthly total fertility (TFRs) adjusted for seasonality calendar effects provided Human Fertility Database (HFD). Births taking place between November 2020 October 2022 correspond to conceptions occurring February January i.e. after onset pandemic but prior Russian invasion Ukraine. The cover 26 countries, including 21 Europe, USA, Canada, Israel, Japan, Republic Korea. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS First, we a descriptive analysis changes TFR. Second, employed linear fixed regression models estimate association explanatory seasonally TFRs. considered three broader sets factors: interventions restricting mobility social activities outside home, progression programmes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found as measured by increased inflation (P < 0.001), whereas unemployment did not show any link births = 0.677). stringency was linked postponement births, only lower institutional trust 0.003). In higher trust, stricter containment measures positively rates, both year 0.019) and, albeit weakly significant, 0.057). Furthermore, negative share population having received dose TFRs completed primary course (usually consisting two doses) recovery 0.001). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION research is restricted relatively strong support policies government well wide access modern contraception. allow analyses key characteristics, such age, order, status. WIDER IMPLICATIONS FINDINGS multi-country drivers pandemic. past, periods following epidemics health crises typically births. contrast, our gradual phasing out measures, allowing return more normal work life, contributed declining some countries. addition, indicates women avoided pregnancy completion protocol. FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) use external funding. authors acknowledge funding from their home institution, Vienna Institute Demography Austrian Academy Sciences, Open-Access Fund Sciences. For purpose open access, have applied CC BY public copyright licence Author Accepted Manuscript versions arising this submission. All declare conflicts interest.

Язык: Английский

Fertility decline in the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of policy interventions, vaccination programmes, and economic uncertainty

medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Апрель 28, 2024

Abstract BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, birth rates in most higher-income countries first briefly declined and then shortly recovered, showing no common trends afterwards until early 2022, when they unexpectedly dropped. STUDY FOCUS We analyse monthly changes total fertility during with a special focus on countries. consider three broader sets of explanatory factors: economic uncertainty, policy interventions restricting mobility social activities outside home, role vaccination programmes. DESIGN, DATA This study uses population-wide data adjusted for seasonality calendar effects provided Human Fertility Database (HFD, 2023). Births taking place between November 2020 October 2022 correspond to conceptions occurring February January i.e., after onset pandemic but prior Russian invasion Ukraine. The cover 26 countries, including 21 Europe, United States, Canada, Israel, Japan Republic Korea. METHODS First, we provide descriptive analysis rate (TFR). Second, estimate factors observed swings using linear fixed (within) regression models. MAIN RESULTS find that were associated as measured by increased inflation, stringency interventions, progression campaign, whereas unemployment did not show any link pandemic. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our research is restricted relatively strong support policies government well wide access modern contraception. do allow analysing key characteristics, such age, order status. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS multi-country drivers later phase In past, periods following epidemics health crises typically recovery fertility. contrast, our results gradual phasing out containment measures, allowing return more normal work life, contributed declining addition, indicates some women avoided pregnancy initial roll-out.

Язык: Английский

First ischemic stroke in young adults: Sex and age-related differences in stroke rates, risk factors, and etiologies

European Stroke Journal, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 6, 2025

Introduction: Sex differences in stroke incidence, vascular risk factors (VRFs), and etiologies among young adults remain underexplored, particularly regarding age-related patterns. Patients Methods: We retrospectively analyzed (18–55 years) with first-ever ischemic treated at certified acute units/centers between 2014 2022, using Swiss Stroke Registry data. rates (per 100,000 person-years), VRFs, were assessed by age sex. Results: Among 3,995 patients, similar sexes until 35, after which men showed a more pronounced exponential increase. This rise was notable patients elevated BMI ⩾2 VRFs. The proportion of VRFs rose (18–35: 22%; 36–50: 48%; 51–55: 63%). While no statistically significant VRF profiles observed women aged 18–35, accumulated about five years earlier than women, leading to higher prevalence multiple 36–50, the gap narrowing 51–55 group. shifted age: patent foramen ovale cervical artery dissection predominated younger while large atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, strokes undetermined etiology increased age, sex differences. Discussion Conclusions: study highlights rates, under 55 years. After sharply men, paralleling their burden. These findings emphasize importance early management VRFs—including overweight—to mitigate risk.

Язык: Английский