Associates of self-reported fertility status and infertility treatment-seeking in a rural district of Malawi.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the demographic, fertility preference, health/infection and behavioural factors associated with self-reported fertility problems and infertility treatment-seeking in a rural district of Malawi.


METHODS
Data come from a population-based survey of 678 women and 362 men.


RESULTS
Having a higher ideal number of children than actual number of children, i.e. a 'child deficit', is highly associated with women's reported fertility impairment and treatment-seeking. Other factors associated with women's infertility treatment-seeking are being educated and reporting infertility in self or spouse. In contrast, being in a polygamous union, having exchanged money or goods for sex, and having multiple sex partners are significantly associated with men's reported fertility impairment. Significant factors associated with men's infertility treatment-seeking are having no education, having a long waiting time to pregnancy and having a 'child deficit'.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a sex difference in which factors are associated with reported fertility impairment. Fertility preference variables are more often significantly related to women's reported fertility impairment, whereas sexual behaviours are more often significantly related to men's reported fertility impairment.
Barden-O'Fallon
J
J
Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#8120, 206 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, USA. bardenof@email.unc.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data