23. How many of [the respondent's] own children are dead?
Question 23: Number of Own Children Dead
Q23. How many of your own children are dead?
Get this information for: All PNG citizen women aged 15 years or more who have given birth to at least one child.
How to ask:
"Have any of your own children have died?"
It may be difficult to get a good response because some women don't like to talk about dead children. Be kind and considerate when you ask.
The question is important and must be asked.
Even if the answer is No, ask "Did you ever have any babies who cried or showed signs of life but survived only a few minutes/days/weeks?"
When a number is given, ask "How many of these dead children were boys and how many were girls?"
How to record: Record the number of dead male children in the box for Boys, and the number of dead female children in the box for Girls.
Note: Do not record still births (that is, giving birth to a dead child), adopted/foster children, step-children.
The figures in Q21, Q22 and Q23 for each woman MUST add up to the figures in Q20. Check these totals as you go. If the numbers don't add up to the number in Q20, ask the respondent to clarify.