Reading DHS Tables in 4 Easy Steps

Written by: The DHS Program

08 May, 2018

Statistical tables can look intimidating at first glance. That’s why we created this How to Read DHS Tables video tutorial using model datasets. Model datasets are created strictly for practice and do not represent any actual country’s data. Download the full model datasets report tables, and follow along on your own. At the end of the tutorial, we’ll have a few practice questions to test your knowledge.

In just 4 easy steps, you can read any table found in a number of DHS Final Reports. Once you’ve mastered reading DHS tables, test your knowledge with a quiz and comment below on how you did!

Test your knowledge!

Step 1: Read the title and subtitle. They tell you the topic and the specific population group being described.

Step 2: Scan the column headings. The column headings describe how the information is categorized.

Step 3: Scan the row headings. These are found in the first vertical column in the table. They show the different ways the data are divided into categories based on background characteristics.

Step 4: Find the overall percentages. The totals can be found in the row at the bottom of the table.

Think you’re ready to read DHS Final Report tables? Try these practice questions, and comment below on how you did!

Test your knowledge!

If you found this tutorial helpful, let us know in the comments section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to The DHS Program newsletter for updates on our digital tools, surveys, and more!

Author

  • The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program has collected, analyzed, and disseminated accurate and representative data on population, health, HIV, and nutrition through more than 400 surveys in over 90 countries. The DHS Program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Contributions from other donors, as well as funds from participating countries, also support surveys. The project is implemented by ICF.

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Anthropometry measurement (height and weight) is a core component of DHS surveys that is used to generate indicators on nutritional status. The Biomarker Questionnaire now includes questions on clothing and hairstyle interference on measurements for both women and children for improved interpretation.