title: Challenges in measuring the sequencing of life events among adolescents in Malawi: a cautionary note.
abstract: Using data from two rounds of the Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Survey, this research note examines consistency of retrospective reporting on the timing and sequencing of sexual initiation, school leaving, and marriage. The analysis, which compares reporting of events both within and between rounds, indicates substantial inconsistency in reporting of event sequences and highlights difficulties in measuring transitions to adulthood in sub-Saharan Africa with survey data.
authors.affiliation: Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY, 10017, USA, bmensch@popcouncil.org.
authors.forename: Barbara S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Mensch
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soler-Hampejsek
authors.forename: Christine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Paul C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.forename: Monica J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008295:Malawi; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*