Mass Media Exposure and its Impact on Fertility: Current Scenario of Bangladesh

Abstract

On the way to reduce fertility rate of Bangladesh, mass media plays significant role to raise consciousness about the family planning program on general peoples. In this study the impact of mass media has been measured by the pattern of watching television, listening radio and reading newspaper. Using the proportional hazards model, the mass media exposure found to be a significant differential of fertility even after controlling the effects of contraception, place of residence, and mother’s educational and employment status. This implies, by taking necessary steps, mass media can be used much more adequately to reduce fertility rate of Bangladesh. Keywords: Fertility; Mass media exposure; Hazards model. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i2.8917 J. Sci. Res. 4 (2), 383-395 (2012)