Couples' Fertility and Contraceptive Decision-Making in Developing Countries: Hearing the Man's Voice

Abstract

This study examined the reproductive preferences and behavior of married men and their wives in 18 developing countries. Data were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys during 1990-96 in 13 sub-Saharan African 2 North African 2 Asian and a Latin American country. Only 2 countries did not have male data. The sample included polygamous couples but the effects of fertility intentions (FI) on couples contraceptive behavior refers only to monogamous couples with a nonpregnant wife. Findings indicate that spousal age differences ranged from 2.7 years in Brazil to 12.2 years in Senegal. Literacy of males varied from 10% in Senegal to 77% in Zimbabwe. The proportion of husbands desiring at least 2 children more than did the wife ranged from 27% in Niger to 70% in Bangladesh. Fewer than 50% of couples agreed in 8 of the 13 sub-Saharan African countries. The mean number of children desired by husbands ranged from 2.9 in Brazil to 11.5 in Niger. In 11 sub-Saharan countries the desired number of children exceeded 5. Husbands desired family size (DFS) was higher in western compared to eastern Africa and was higher than womens DFS. Gender differences in DFS were negligible outside Africa. 10-26% of partners disagreed on the desire for more children. 21-40% disagreed on when to have more children. Husbands reported higher modern method use. Joint FI significantly determined modern method use in 15 countries. After controlling for effects of spouses characteristics joint FI was a significant predictor in 9 countries. Contraceptive use was more likely when couples desired a stop to childbearing.