@article{Sarnak_46_17,
author = {Sarnak, Dana and Becker, Stan},
title={{Accuracy of wives' proxy reports of husbands' fertility preferences in sub-Saharan Africa}},
journal = {Demographic Research},
volume = {46},
number = {17},
pages = {503--546},
doi = {10.4054/DemRes.2022.46.17},
year = {2022},
abstract = {Background: Demographic researchers have recognized the importance of male partners in reproductive behavior and decision-making. Yet much of the existing literature still relies on female respondents reporting on behalf of their spouses. 

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the accuracy of wives’ reports of husbands’ fertility preferences in 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Methods: We used couple-level data from Demographic and Health Surveys to evaluate the accuracy of wives’ reports of their husbands’ fertility preferences in 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We created a measure of accuracy based on each partner’s response to a set of fertility preference questions. We examined the overall percentages of wives who were accurate, inaccurate, or uncertain across countries. 

Results: Despite the fact that most couples were concordant in wanting more children, we found variation in the percentages of wives who were accurate in their proxy reports, ranging from 26% in Chad to 58% in Rwanda. By contrast, percentages of wives who were inaccurate were similar; approximately one-third of wives across all countries gave proxy responses that were at odds with their husbands’ responses. Large percentages of wives were uncertain of their husbands’ fertility preferences, reaching 50% in Comoros. 

Conclusions: These findings indicate low levels of spousal discussion of fertility preferences. We encourage survey organizations to invest in collecting data from males directly. 

Contribution: By demonstrating that majorities of wives across countries either inaccurately perceive or are uncertain of their husband’s fertility preferences, the current study justifies collecting data from male partners directly. },
URL = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol46/17/},
eprint = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol46/17/46-17.pdf}
}