The Measurement of Infecundity with Survey Data: Strategies and Implications

John B. Casterline, Ohio State University
Sarah E. K. Bradley, Macro International Inc.
Trevor N. Croft, Macro International Inc.
Colin Odden, Ohio State University

Infecundity is a fundamental reproductive component, with implications for other facets of reproduction and for psychological and social well-being. But measurement of infecundity via surveys is known to be a challenge. This paper provides a systematic overview of strategies for capturing infecundity using DHS data and the empirical implications of the alternative strategies, singly and in combination. DHS offers both attitudinal (self-report) and behavioral measures of infecundity; four alternatives are examined in this research. We implement these four in 160+ DHS surveys conducted since 1990. The primary focus is the differences in estimates among the alternative strategies. Cross-national differences and within-country trends over time provide further perspective on the validity and reliability of the alternatives. We also compare the estimates with assumed levels of infecundity by age in the demographic and biomedical literature. Finally, we consider implications of infecundity estimates for other reproductive indicators, specifically unmet need for contraception.