title: Assessing the quality of data regarding use of the lactational amenorrhea method.
abstract: This study assesses the quality of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data regarding self-reported current use of the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). LAM is an important modern contraceptive method that, when practiced correctly, has a 98 percent effectiveness rate six-months postpartum. The objectives of this study are to examine the accuracy of self-reported LAM use, compared with the constructed correct-practice variable, and to explore differentials in accuracy measures by characteristics at the individual and survey level by analyzing data from 73 DHSs conducted in 45 countries between 1998 and 2011. Findings reveal that only 26 percent of reported LAM users meet the criteria for correct LAM practice. We discuss the implications for future DHS data collection and for family planning and maternal and child health programming.
authors.affiliation: Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004, USA.
authors.forename: Madeleine Short
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Fabic
authors.forename: Yoonjoung
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report