Issp standard Background Variables

HHCHILDR “How many children in household”

1. Measurement goal

The aim of this variable is to measure the number of children in the respondent’s household between the age of beginning of compulsory schooling and 17 years of age. See household definition at HOMPOP to clarify meaning of household.

2. Filtering questions/respondent universe

Ask all.
3. Variable definition/code list

HHCHILDR “How many children in household”
00 No children

01 One child

...

96 NAP (Code 0 in HOMPOP)

99 No answer
4. Example question text(s)

Including yourself, how many people – including children – usually live in your household?

[TN: The age to be used for distinguishing children vs. toddlers – the numbers in square brackets – is determined by the start of compulsory schooling in your country. In a country where the primary school starts at age 7, the age categories in the question should be: "Children between 7-17 years of age" and "Children up to the age of 6".]
Please write in.

	Number
Adults of 18 years and older
Children between [school age]-17 years of age		→ HHCHILDR
Children up to the age of [school age - 1] years		→ HHTODD
This makes a total of how many people?		→ HOMPOP

5. Coding & classification instructions

The following children are included in the count:

1. 
   Own children, step-children.
   
2. 
   Temporarily away but expected to come back and maintain the place where the household is located as usual place of residence.
   
3. 
   Temporarily staying within the household, having no other place of residence and certain not to be counted elsewhere.
   

6. Other comments

Please note that compulsory schooling age is country-specific. Please report this age threshold for your country in the BV documentation template.