Description

For women who are currently using family planning, FPCURSTYR_NP (V316_NP) reports the year, according to the Nepali calendar, when they first started using their current method. This variable is only available for Nepali samples.

The calendar month according to the Nepali calendar, when the woman first started using her current method is reported in FPCURSTMO_NP (V315_NP).

Comparability

Apart from slight universe differences, FPCURSTYR_NP (V316_NP) has no comparability problems across Nepali samples.

All standard date variables in Nepal DHS samples are given in the Nepali calendar. The Nepali calendar, or Vikram Samvat, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months of 29 to 32 days each. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Nepali calendar begins in mid-April. Because the 12 months do not match the sidereal year, correctional months are occasionally added or subtracted. It is only possible to convert dates given in Vikram Samvat to the Gregorian calendar when the exact date (day, month and year) is available. Otherwise, it is only possible to approximate to the month. Vikram Samvat is approximately 56 years, 8 months, and 15 days ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

Comparability - Standard DHS

FPCURSTYR_NP (V316_NP) is included in Phase IV forward of the standard DHS questionnaire for Nepali samples.

Universe