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Preference-aligned Fertility Management (PFM) Index

The Preference-aligned Fertility Management (PFM) Index is a 3-item person-centered and rights-based measure to assess the degree to which individuals act in line with their own preferences for fertility management. The PFM Index captures (1) whether an individual’s desire to use or not use contraception is met and (2) for contraceptive users, whether the individual wants to be using the specific method(s) they are using.

Categories

Geographies Tested: Nigeria,Uganda

Populations Included: Female

Age Range: Adolescents, Adults

Items:

1. Do you currently want to be using any method to avoid pregnancy?

Response Options:
Yes
No
Don't know

2. Are you currently using any method to avoid pregnancy?

Response Options:
Yes (If Yes, record all methods currently using)
No
Don't know

3.[For each method in Item 2] Do you want to be using [METHOD] right now?

Response Options:
Yes
No

Scoring Procedures

Indicator 1: Participants were classified as practicing PFM is their answers to Items 1 and 2 were aligned. Indicator 2: Participants were classified as practicing PFM if they were using the contraceptive method they desired(Item 3). Composite contraception-focused PFM Index: Participants were considered practicing PFM on both indicators as practicing PFM overall. Each indicator comprising the index can also stand alone.

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Original Citation

Holt, K., Gomez, R., Amongin, D., Omoluabi, E., Chung, S., Birabwa, C., Dimowo, S., Challa, S., Waiswa, P., Idiodi, I., Phillips, B., Nanono, S., Jegede, A., Liu, J., Wasswa, R., Nmadu, G., Okoli, C., Tijani, A., & Galavotti, C. (2025). Validation of the contraception-focused Preference-aligned Fertility Management Index in Uganda and Nigeria. Contraception, 144, 110813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2025.110813


Psychometric Score

Ease of Use Score

Scoring breakdown

Formative Research

Qualitative Research

Existing Literature/Theoretical Framework

Field Expert Input

Cognitive Interviews / Pilot Testing

Reliability

Internal

Test-retest

Interrater

Validity

Content

Face

Criterion (gold-standard)

Construct

KEY

Ease of Use

Readability

Scoring Clarity

Length

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