Demographic Transition Model Questions
The factors that contribute to changes in healthcare needs during the demographic transition include:
1. Aging population: As a country progresses through the demographic transition, the proportion of elderly individuals increases. This leads to a higher demand for healthcare services, as older people tend to have more chronic health conditions and require specialized care.
2. Declining fertility rates: During the demographic transition, fertility rates typically decline due to various factors such as increased access to contraception, education, and urbanization. This leads to a shift in the population structure towards a larger proportion of older individuals, who require more healthcare services.
3. Epidemiological transition: As societies transition from high mortality and infectious diseases to lower mortality rates and higher prevalence of chronic diseases, the healthcare needs change. There is a greater demand for preventive care, management of chronic conditions, and specialized treatments for non-communicable diseases.
4. Urbanization and lifestyle changes: Urbanization is a common feature of the demographic transition, and it brings about changes in lifestyle and health behaviors. These changes, such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and increased exposure to pollution, contribute to the rise in non-communicable diseases and healthcare needs.
5. Technological advancements: Advances in medical technology and healthcare infrastructure play a significant role in shaping healthcare needs during the demographic transition. Access to better healthcare facilities, diagnostic tools, and treatments leads to increased demand for healthcare services.
Overall, the demographic transition brings about changes in population structure, disease patterns, and lifestyle factors, all of which contribute to shifts in healthcare needs.