Project Description

China has introduced sweeping reforms in the structure of its economy, family planning program, and financial accountability within enterprises and service sector organizations since 1979. At the same time, China entered the world economy, reversing almost thirty years of isolation. A rapid rise in productivity has resulted in continuing increases in income and food supply. Ongoing changes in disease patterns and health services accompany these increases. These changes are occurring at markedly different rates across the country. A post-reform China in the new millenium faces a range of challenges in health, nutrition, and family planning. Income disparities may have increased as coastal areas have become more wealthy while the 300 poorest counties suffer stagnation. The aging of the population and increased life expectancy have contributed to an inevitable increase in the demand for long-term care. Meanwhile, in rural areas economic progress continues to be in direct conflict with family planning goals. China's policy is expected to respond to these continued problems through readjustment of the policies of the reform era.

The survey instruments were designed by an interdisciplinary group of social scientists and biomedical researchers with extensive experience in survey research on these topics. Particular care was taken to collect data which would allow us to answer policy-relevant questions concerning the design and impact of programs and policies affecting each of the outcomes described above.