Description

FPTYPCYCB reports whether cycle beads, or the Standard Days Method (SDM) is considered to be a modern method, a traditional method, or a folkloric method of family planning in a given sample. How cycle beads were characterized varies across samples; see Comparability and Codes.

In the standard DHS recode manuals, modern methods are the Pill, IUD, injections, diaphragm, condom, female sterilization, male sterilization, implants, female condom, foam/jelly, lactational amenorrhea, and emergency contraception. Traditional methods are periodic abstinence (rhythm), withdrawal, and abstinence. Folkloric methods are the category "other" and country-specific methods (such as herbs or amulet), which vary across samples. In some cases, however, there are exceptions to this organization; see Comparability.

Additionally, while FPTYPCYCB and the other "FPTYP" variables report whether a specific method is considered to be modern, traditional, or folkloric method in a given sample, IPUMS-DHS users may be interested in the complementary variable FPTYPNOW (V313), which indicates whether the woman's current contraceptive method is modern, traditional, or folkloric.

Comparability

There are slight differences in how this contraceptive method was labelled and described. FPTYPCYCB was most commonly worded as "Standard Days Method," "Cycle beads," or "Standard Days Method/Cycle beads." Review the Survey Text tab for the exact question wording for samples of interest.

Additionally, the way this response category is categorized varies across samples. Specifically, most samples considered this method to be a modern method of family planning, but some samples diverged from this convention. IPUMS-DHS users are encouraged to consult the Codes tab for countries of interest.

Moreover, some samples did not specifically ask about cycle beads, but respondents could volunteer this method when asked about "any other methods."

Comparability - Standard DHS

Although standard variables that report whether a given contraceptive method is considered to be a modern method, a traditional method, or a folkloric method are included in Phase II forward of the standard DHS questionnaire, FPTYPCYCB is a country-specific response category that in not included in any of the standard DHS modules.

Universe