Description

For women not currently using a contraceptive method but intending to do so in the future, FPMETHFUTR (V363) reports the family planning method the woman would prefer to use.

When children are chosen as the unit of analysis, the woman respondent indicates the mother of the child.

Answers are grouped under the broad categories of "modern methods," "traditional methods," and "other methods," each with a different first digit. Specific methods are distinguished by the second and third digits. Closely related responses, such as various groupings of diaphragm/foam/jelly, share the first 2 digits in common, while the third digit distinguishes the exact response category.

Comparability

Along with universe and slight question wording differences, FPMETHFUTR (V363) varies in its response categories across samples. Such variation reflects change in the standard DHS questionnaire categories (see below) and country-specific choices.

While the specific methods reflect local contexts, the overarching categories of modern methods (with a common first digit of "1") versus traditional methods (with a common first digit of "2") are comparable.

Note that some samples, particularly in Phase 2, ask the question of preferred method type only for women intending to use contraception in the next 12 months. Consult the Universe tab for details for samples of interest.

Comparability - Standard DHS

FPMETHFUTR (V363) was included in the standard DHS questionnaire for Phase 1 to 5. Beginning in Phase 4, additional methods were added to the response set (i.e., female condom, implants, and lactational amenorrhea), and the category "Diaphragm/foam/jelly" split into two separate responses: 1) diaphragm and 2) foam or jelly.

Universe