Davis & Blake Framework: Identifying Intercourse Variables

The Davis and Blake framework categorizes intermediate variables influencing fertility. These are grouped into:

• Intercourse variables: Factors affecting the frequency or opportunity for sexual intercourse.
• Conception variables: Factors affecting the probability of conception given intercourse.
• Gestation variables: Factors affecting the probability of carrying a pregnancy to term.

Analyzing the Options

We need to identify the option that does *not* relate to the frequency or opportunity for sexual intercourse.

• Option 1: Age of entry into sexual union. This directly determines the period a person is potentially sexually active, influencing intercourse opportunities. It is an intercourse variable.
• Option 2: Permanent Celibacy: Proportion of women never entering sexual union. This defines a group abstaining from sexual union altogether, directly related to the absence of intercourse. It is an intercourse variable.
• Option 3: When unions are broken by divorce, separation or desertion. The dissolution or disruption of a union directly impacts the continuation of sexual intercourse. It is an intercourse variable.
• Option 4: Foetal mortality from involuntary causes. This refers to pregnancy loss (miscarriage/stillbirth) occurring after conception has already happened. It is a factor affecting gestation, not the opportunity or frequency of intercourse itself. Therefore, it is not an intercourse variable.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, 'Foetal mortality from involuntary causes' is the factor that does not fall under the category of 'Intercourse variables' in the Davis and Blake framework.