Self-reported data on reproductive variables were reliable among postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the reliability of self-reported reproductive variables in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
We evaluated 535 women in two interviews, as part of the recruitment and first follow-up of a cohort of Portuguese adults. Median time between evaluations was 5 years. Women were inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, cognitive status, and reproductive history: gravidity, parity, lifetime use of oral contraceptives, menopausal status, age at menopause, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and lifetime use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).


RESULTS
Age at menopause was consistent within 1 year for 66% of women and agreement was higher in women reporting surgical menopause. Reliability regarding age at menopause decreased with time since menopause. Gravidity was consistent for 81% of women, whereas parity was consistent for 94%. The proportion of different answers regarding number of pregnancies and number of live births was higher in women with high gravidity and parity, respectively. Agreement was 96% for hysterectomy and 92% for oophorectomy. The proportion of consistent reports was 90% for oral contraceptives and 93% for HRT. Women with higher education reported parity and HRT more reliably.


CONCLUSIONS
Agreement was over 90% for self-reported parity, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and HRT, which supports their use in analytical studies.
Lucas
Raquel
R
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Porto Medical School, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200 319 Porto, Portugal. rlucas@med.up.pt
Azevedo
Ana
A
Barros
Henrique
H
D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D017584:Reproductive History; D012107:Research Design; D012650:Self Disclosure
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral