VII. People in the census household

For women 12 years old or older
[Question 20 - 24 were asked of women age 12 years old or older]

21. Total of son and daughter born alive

Questions for females aged 12 and older
The purpose of questions 20-24 is to obtain information that allows estimates as to the level and trend of fertility, mortality, and growth of the population.

[p. 68]

The enumerator must be dedicated and careful in order to obtain the appropriate information in this important question set. Ask all females older than 12, regardless of their marital status.

If possible, ask girls and women directly. They may forget sometimes, and state that children who have died were live-born, or are alive living elsewhere, and newborns. Keep this in mind so as to avoid missing anyone.

Note that information about live-born children should include all children that the girl or woman has had, either as the result of a marriage or cohabitation, or from a current or former marriage.

Remember that the following questions are to be asked of all girls or women aged 12 and older, regardless of their current marital status.

21. Total number of live-born children
Keep in mind the definition of live-born child as you ask this question.

Ask, "How many live-born children, both male and female, have you had in all?" Record the total number of live-born children, live-born sons, and live-born daughters separately in the appropriate grid spaces.

[A graphic of box 21, "total number of live-born children," is reproduced on the right-hand side of the page.]