The authors estimate and compare fertility indicators for different periods, focusing on those that correct distortions in the total fecundity rate (TFR) for a given period. The purpose is to raise and evaluate new possibilities of fertility analysis in Brazil. The indicators TFR, TFRPPR, PATFR, PATFRadjusted (K-O), PDTFR, and PADTFR are presented, as well as historical series of tempo and parity effects (K-O model) and mean age at childbearing. The data were taken from a database of birth histories obtained from the 1980, 1991, and 2000 Brazilian demographic censuses. Results show that changes in fertility in Brazil were accompanied by a negative tempo effect and a positive parity effect, meaning that the TFR observed was inflated. In the near future the Brazilian TFR may fall due to tempo effect.
Fertility; Tempo effect; Quantum; Birth histories; Brazil
