Validating the Self-Reported Fertility Status of Rural Malawian Women

Citation

Barden-O'Fallon, Janine L.; Suchindran, Chirayath M.; & Tsui, Amy Ong (2006). Validating the Self-Reported Fertility Status of Rural Malawian Women. American Journal of Human Biology, 18(2), 214-218.

Abstract

This study uses data from a population-based survey to examine the fertility schedules of 704 women in a rural district of Malawi. The main objective is to assess self-reported fecundity status as a measure of fertility impairment. Life tables are used to examine the timing and tempo of births for women reporting difficulty getting pregnant as compared to women with no reported fecundity difficulties. Results of the analysis indicate that women with self-reported fecundity difficulties are older at each birth and have longer median birth intervals than do women with no reported difficulties. Cox proportional hazards models show that the report of a difficulty getting pregnant is significantly associated with at least a 30% lower likelihood of a first, second, or third birth. The relationships are not modified when accounting for demographic characteristics, previous sexual behaviors, or STI status.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.20485

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2006

Journal Title

American Journal of Human Biology

Author(s)

Barden-O'Fallon, Janine L.
Suchindran, Chirayath M.
Tsui, Amy Ong

ORCiD

Suchindran - 0000-0002-5087-7762
Barden-O'Fallon - 0000-0001-6410-7200