Demographic and Health Surveys Methodology - Measure DHS

• Pill-taking behavior• Sterilization experience• Consanguinity• Verbal autopsy• HIV/AIDS• Children’s education• Women’s status• Domestic violence• Malaria• Health expendituresOTHER BASIC DOCUMENTATIONTo achieve comparable information across countries, it is necessary to ensure that the questionnaires andthe survey procedures followed in each country are similar. Therefore, the DHS program has developed aset of basic documentation to go with the model questionnaires. The basic documentation consists of thefollowing manuals, most of which are available in English, French, and Spanish:• Interviewer’s Manual• Supervisor’s and Editor’s Manual• Sampling Manual• Household Listing Manual• Guidelines for DHS Interviewer Training• Data Processing Guidelines• Guidelines for the Main Survey Report• Communicating DHS DataThe first two manuals provide a detailed description of the survey questions, tips on conductinginterviews and how to check completed questionnaires. The Sampling Manual presents the DHS approachto issues like optimum sampling frames, sample domains, stages, and sample selection. The companionHousehold Listing Manual describes how to locate selected sample points, how to draw a sketch map, andhow to list the households and structures.The Guidelines for DHS Interviewer Training is designed for survey managers to provide tips on how toorganize and conduct training for field staff. It describes techniques of mock interviewing, demonstrationinterviews in front of the class, and field practice, and contains sample tests for trainees. It also describeshow to interpret the field check tables that are produced during the fieldwork.The Data Processing Guidelines were developed to assist DHS staff and local collaborators in developingdata processing procedures. While the quality of the data is determined mainly by the quality of thefieldwork, following appropriate steps can enhance it significantly during data processing. Data entry andediting for inconsistencies are major steps in this process, as is the imputation of missing data.Guide to DHS Statistics 3 September 2003