Fertility Intentions and Perceptions: A Case Study of Zambia

Ann M. Moore, Guttmacher Institute
Olutosin Awulode, University of Ibadan
Adesina Oladokun, University of Ibadan
Namuunda Mutombo, University of Zambia

Zambia has an HIV prevalence rate of 14.3% and a total fertility rate of 6.2, with a wanted total fertility rate of 5.2, as reported by women of reproductive age (ZDHS 2009). This study uses unique data on fertility preferences and perceptions of partners’ fertility preferences from both men and women in a community as well as a fertility-based sample. We examine women’s fertility preferences as measured by whether they want to have a(nother) child and their perceptions of their partners’ desire to have a(nother) child from both samples. Using the community-based sample only, we compare men’s actual fertility preferences with their wife’s perceptions of these preferences for the approximately 400 matched couples in the data, examining how well the wives know their husband's preferences. HIV is included as a primary variable mediating fertility preferences.