Age of woman
(wi3b)
File: Woman
Questions and instructions
Literal question
How old were you at your last birthday?
Interviewer instructions
Enter her age in completed years, that is, her age at her last birthday. If she knows her
age, enter it in the space provided.
If she does not know the answer to either of these two questions, probe for clues that might
indicate her age. Ask how old she was when she was first married or first gave birth. Try to
find out how long ago she got married or had her first child (You may be able to find out the
age of her oldest child if the child is still living. You may be able to relate her age to someone
else in the household whose age is known. You may be able to determine her age based on
how old she was when an important event occurred, and the number of years that have
since elapsed). You MUST fill in this information. Do not leave this blank.
Finally, before moving on to the next question, verify that the respondent is indeed eligible.
If the woman is younger than 15 or older than 49, you have to terminate the interview. Do
this tactfully by asking two or three more questions and then thank the respondent for her
cooperation; write “INELIGIBLE” on the cover page of the questionnaire, and correct the
age and eligibility information for this woman on the cover page and in Columns HL4,HL5 on the Household Questionnaire.
