TY  - JOUR
A1  - Sarnak, Dana
A1  - Becker, Stan
T1  - Accuracy of wives' proxy reports of husbands' fertility preferences in sub-Saharan Africa
Y1  - 2022/03/23
JF  - Demographic Research
JO  - Demographic Research
SN  - 1435-9871
SP  - 503
EP  - 546
DO  - 10.4054/DemRes.2022.46.17
VL  - 46
IS  - 17
UR  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol46/17/
L1  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol46/17/46-17.pdf
L2  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol46/17/46-17.pdf
N2  - 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. 

ER  -