Abstract

PIP: POPSIM is an elaborate, demographic microsimulation computer model that simulates vital events and contraceptive events on a periodic basis for an open population. Experience with use of POPSIM indicates that it was cumbersome and difficult to set up, and required extensive computer operations to process data and obtain final results. The author concludes that simulations using POPSIM should be undertaken for assisting family planning programs only when reasonably accurate estimates of the detailed data needed can be made from censuses, surveys, or a well established vital registration system. The objectives of most family planning programs in developing countries usually will not be so complicated as to justify the complexity of POPSIM.