Updated Recode Manual for DHS-VII

What is the DHS-VII Recode Manual?

The basic approach of The DHS Program is to collect data that are comparable across countries. This is achieved through the use of model questionnaires and the subsequent processing of the raw data into standardized data formats known as recode files. The DHS-VII Recode Manual is an introduction to the DHS standard recode files and serves as a reference document for those analyzing DHS data.

Who is the manual for?

Data users who are analyzing DHS datasets in statistical software receive the DHS recode data files for each survey along with the survey specific recode documentation. We strongly recommend that users download this documentation as well as the questionnaires used in the surveys they analyze. The questionnaire for a survey can be located in the appendix of the final report.

What is new in this version of the manual?

This updated manual describes the characteristics of the recode files defined for the seventh round of the DHS surveys (DHS-VII). The manual highlights the 234 new variables added during DHS-VII. In addition to an explanation of new variables, the manual now also contains:

A description of the DHS Recode Data Files distributed and file naming convention used.
An explanation of the Century Day Code (CDC). Beginning with the DHS-VII questionnaire (surveys with fieldwork in about 2015 and later), the woman’s questionnaire collects the day of birth for all children listed in the birth history in addition to their month and year of birth to calculate the age of children more accurately. The use of CDC affect virtually all tables related to children, particularly to children under the age of five.
A list of the locations of DHS-VII core questionnaire variables in the DHS-VII standard recode variables.

Where can you find the guide?

Download the DHS-VII DHS Recode Manual Here

Model Questionnaire Review Portal Now Open

In collaboration with USAID, The DHS Program is in the process of reviewing the Model Questionnaires and optional modules used for The Program’s flagship Demographic and Health Surveys. The objective of this review is to revise these tools under the DHS-8 contract to better meet current and emerging data needs. We are seeking input on all of the DHS Model Questionnaires, optional special topic questionnaire modules, and biomarkers that are currently in use by The DHS Program. The last comprehensive review and revision of these tools took place in 2014.

Several changes were made to the Model Questionnaires in DHS-7 in response to comments received during the review process for that round of the project. For example, questions on vaccinations were revised in response to advances in childhood immunization programs, and questions were added on postnatal care for women and newborns, on ownership of title or deed to dwelling and land, and on smoking.

We have developed two standard forms for requesting changes:

Template for Requests for Revisions to the DHS Model Questionnaires, Optional Modules, and Biomarkers for DHS-8
Template for Suggested Deletions to the DHS-7 Model Questionnaires and Optional Modules

These forms along with a set of instructions for requesting changes to The DHS Program core questionnaires, optional modules, and biomarkers are now available on the DHS-8 Questionnaire Review Portal section of the DHS User Forum. The portal is now open for submissions. We look forward to receiving your input.

Visit the DHS-8 Questionnaire Review Portal

The Questionnaire Review Portal will be open until March 15.

Please contact dhsqre@dhsprogram.com if you have questions about the DHS-8 questionnaire review process.