Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Q4. Examine the key lifestyle and behavioural factors contributing to rising infertility. How can public health systems respond proactively? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Infertility is on the rise in India: now the statistics are also showing it. A 2023 research paper, ‘Surging trends of infertility and its behavioural determinants in India’ published in Plos One, found that the rates of infertility in couples in India was 22.4% in 1992-93, surged to 25.3% in 2005-06 and then further spiked to 30.7% in 2015-16Key demand of the question
The question asks to identify the primary behavioural and lifestyle-related causes of infertility and suggest how India’s public health systems can address them preventively and equitably.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly define infertility as a growing social and health challenge influenced by modern lifestyles.Body
- Mention key behavioural and lifestyle-related factors causing infertility in both men and women.
- Suggest proactive roles the public health system can play—awareness, integration into primary care, mental health support.
Conclusion
Conclude with a forward-looking solution highlighting prevention, equity, and de-stigmatisation.
