Accuracy of wives' proxy reports of husbands' fertility preferences in sub-Saharan Africa

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.