Fertility and Population Dynamics in Two Kampuchean Refugee Camps

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Abstract
During the Kampuchean refugee relief program, the initial phase of high mortality was short-lived as food, water and basic medical care became available. Deaths declined dramatically and remained low; the general health and nutritional status of the population improved. Refugees who were apparently exposed to more severe prewar conditions were in poorer health and initially had a low fertility rate. In contrast, refugees exposed to less severe prewar conditions were in better health and had a fertility rate similar to that in predisaster Kampuchea. Refugees with an initially low fertility rate showed evidence of return to normal fertility as morbidity and mortality declined. This gradual shift of fertility and mortality to predisaster levels necessitates changes in the type of health services provided.