How well do desired fertility measures for wives and husbands predict subsequent fertility? evidence from Malaysia

Data on fertility preferences are often used to help predict future fertility and the demand for contraception. The quality of fertility preference data is of prime importance when examining how well stated fertility preferences predict subsequent births and completed family size, and how well they predict fertility-related behaviour such as contraceptive use. Data on fertility preferences have also been used to construct measures of the unmet need for contraception and of unwanted fertility. The usefulness of these measures, which have been the basis for many studies and some programmatic efforts, depend on the underlying component (stated fertility preferences) being valid and reliable.