The objective of this study was to analyze the reproductive life cycle (from menarche to menopause) and the status of reproductive health related to reproductive life cycle in Korea during 1960-1990 and to review the implication of reproductive life cycle for the reproductive health.
The results of the study are summarized as followings.
1. The total length of reproductive life cycle (i.e. RLC) was extended from 34.2 years in 1960 to 35.2 years in 1990. The duration (year) of each RLC in 1960 were 6.8 in phase I (Menarchemarriage). 1.9 in phase II (marriage-first birth). 10.0 in phase III (first birth-last birth) and 15.5 in phase IN- (last birth-menopause), and the duration of RLC in 1990 was 11.7, 1.2, 2.1 and 20.2 respectively. In the tendency of each phase in RLC from 1960 to 1990, the length of phase was diminished by 0.7 years in phase II and by 7.9 years in phase III, but the length of phase I and IV was extended by 1.6 times and 1.3 times respectively.
2. In the major reproductive health indicators during 1960-1990, there was a decrease of 3.7 times in total fertility rate and an increase of 3.8 times in contraceptive practice rate during the periods. In the contraceptive practice rate by method ´in 1988, female sterilization constituted the largest proportion at 37.2 percent, and 11.0 percent in male sterilization and 10.2 percent in condom. Most of the contraceptive users at 84.9 percent used contraception for the purpose of termination of birth, only 7.4 percent of women used contraception for birth spacing and delaying. The induced abortion rate per 1,000 births was increased from 255 in 1966 to 688 in 1988 and the half of the women had experienced an induced abortion once and over in 1988. In term of pregnancy wastage, the wastage rate of induced abortion was 19.7 per 100 pregnancies in 1966 and 37.6 in 1,988. On the other hand, rate of live birth per 100 pregnancies was decreased from 75.1 to 37.6 during the periods. Maternal mortality rate per 10.000 was 8.8 in 1968 and 2.9 in 1990. There was an increase of 1.6 times in prenatal care rate and of 1.4 times in average number of visits of prenatal care during 1977-1986.
3. Improving reproductive health requires the quality of services including fertility regulation, prevention STDs. infertility and unwanted pregnancy, sexuality, safety motherhood and child survival. To meet these requirements we must consider the reproductive health promotion programs; to develop comprehensive framework for reproductive health by strengthening research activities empower women to understand their own reproductive health need, and promote public awareness about reproductive health.
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