Demographic and Health Surveys Methodology - Measure DHS

I. IntroductionPurpose of the GuideThe purpose of this guide is twofold:1. To provide an overview on key aspects of the organization and use of DHS data sets2. To serve as a reference document for researchers on the definitions and calculation ofcomplex statistics used in DHS reportsThe document has been prepared in response to feedback received from DHS data users on the need for adetailed guide to assist them in understanding DHS data sets and reproducing the statistics in DHSreports. The initial section of the guide deals with general topics including DHS data file structure,sampling weights, century month codes, and the adjustment factors employed in surveys in which onlyever-married women are interviewed. The remaining sections deal with the definitions of individualstatistics used in DHS reports.Basic Description of the Demographic and Health SurveysTHE DHS PROGRAMThe DHS program was established by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)in 1984. It was designed as a follow-up to the World Fertility Survey and the Contraceptive PrevalenceSurvey projects. The DHS project was first awarded in 1984 to Westinghouse Health Systems (whichsubsequently evolved into part of OCR Macro). The project has been implemented in overlapping fiveyearphases; DHS-I ran from 1984 to1990; DHS-II from 1988 to1993; and DHS-III from 1992 to1998. In1997, DHS was folded into the new multi-project MEASURE program as MEASURE DHS+.The objectives of the DHS program are to:• Provide decision makers in participating countries with improved information and analyses useful forinformed policy choices• Improve coordination and partnerships in data collection at the international and country levels• Develop in participating countries the skills and resources necessary to conduct high-qualitydemographic and health surveys• Improve data collection and analysis tools and methodology• Improve the dissemination and utilization of data.Since 1984, more than 130 nationally representative household-based surveys have been completed underthe DHS project in about 70 countries. Many of the countries have conducted multiple DHS surveys toestablish trend data that enable them to gauge progress in their programs. Countries that participate in theDHS program are primarily countries that receive USAID assistance; however, several non-USAIDsupported countries have participated with funding from other donors such as UNICEF, UNFPA or theWorld Bank.Guide to DHS Statistics 1 September 2003