Description

FPTYPLAM (V304A_13) reports whether the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is considered to be a modern method, a traditional method, or a folkloric method of family planning in a given sample. How lactational amenorrhea was 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 FPTYPLAM (V304A_13) 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 universe differences and slight variation in how this contraceptive method was labelled and described, FPTYPLAM (V304A_13) is largely comparable across samples. Most commonly, this response category was referred to as "lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)," although, as noted below, some samples diverged from this convention.

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.

Comparability - Standard DHS

FPTYPLAM (V304A_13) is included in the standard DHS questionnaire for Phase IV forward.

Universe