Couples Concordance in Reporting the Most Recent Protected Sexual Activity

Alain K. Koffi, Johns Hopkins University
Vissého D. Adjiwanou, Université de Montréal
Olaolorun Funmilola, Johns Hopkins University

This study examined interpartner concordance of self-reported time since last coitus and reports of condom and contraceptive use at last sexual intercourse, among 1672 monogamous couples in Liberia, 4138 in Madagascar, and 588 in Namibia. It also explored the characteristics associated with such sexual behaviors as occurred in the prior 28 days. Overall, there was less than 80% concordance in reporting of time since last coitus. Condom or contraceptive use behaviors yielded fair (0.23) to substantial (0.64) agreement on the Kappa index. Factors predicting a shorter time since last coitus included wealthiest socioeconomic conditions, husband being younger than wife, and couples where at least one partner wants another child. Couples where both wanted another child were less likely to report use of condom or contraceptive method. In summary, addressing the source of errors of the survey question can lead to more concordant interpartner estimates.