Description

FPTYPFJ (V304A_15) reports whether spermicide, such as foam or jelly, is considered to be a modern method, a traditional method, or a folkloric method of family planning in a given sample.

In the DHS in general, 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 FPTYPFJ (V304A_15) 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 — Index

Comparability

Apart from slight variation in question wording, FPTYPFJ (V304A_15) is largely comparable across samples. All samples conform to the standard organization and code spermicide, such as foam or jelly, as a modern method.

The label for this method and its brief description varied somewhat across surveys. Most samples worded the method as "foam or jelly" or some slight variation. Only samples that significantly diverged from this wording are discussed below.

Comparability - Standard DHS

FPTYPFJ (V304A_15) is included in the standard DHS questionnaire for Phase IV forward. For Phase 2 and 3, spermicides were generally included with diaphragms in FPTYPFJ. Beginning in Phase 4, spermicides were generally described as "a suppository, jelly, or cream [women can place] in their vagina before intercourse."

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