DHS Program Analysis Updates: Fall 2020

Written by: The DHS Program

02 Dec, 2020

The DHS Program Research and Analysis team has recently published several studies that analyze new DHS data or employ novel approaches to analyze existing DHS data. Analysis of New Sickle Cell Data The 2018 Nigeria DHS includes sickle cell genotyping of a subsample of 11,186 children age 6-59 months, the first population-based household survey to […]


The DHS Program Geospatial Team Celebrates GIS Day

Written by: The DHS Program

18 Nov, 2020

November 18, 2020, is GIS Day, a day to celebrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and their application to DHS data. This GIS Day, we highlight recent work from The DHS Program Geospatial team. Highlighting Subnational Inequalities That May Hinder COVID-19 Mitigation The Geospatial team produced a story map using DHS spatial data on handwashing […]


Adapting to the New Reality: Data Processing Goes Virtual

Written by: The DHS Program

28 Oct, 2020

In March 2020, The DHS Program released a call for applications for the 2020 DHS Data Processing Procedures – Data Tabulation and Data Finalization (DPPII) workshop, to be held in Accra, Ghana in June. The DPPII workshop includes online pre-work and face-to-face instruction. DHS Program Data Processing staff members assist participants through one-on-one coaching, and […]


Luminare: Providing Sample Weights for Multilevel Analysis while Protecting Confidentiality

Written by: The DHS Program

07 Oct, 2020

The DHS Program recently published a Methodological Report providing a framework for estimating “level-weights” in DHS surveys – weights that correspond to each stage of sampling. These weights are required for multilevel modeling. While the audience for the framework itself is academic researchers, the challenge of protecting respondent confidentiality while supporting data analysis is of […]


COVID-19 and The DHS Program: A New Web Hub for Up-to-Date Information

Written by: The DHS Program

02 Sep, 2020

Even though COVID-19 has paused survey fieldwork and kept DHS Program staff from traveling, DHS data continue to inform the COVID-19 conversation around the world. The just-launched COVID-19 feature page on The DHS Program website provides a hub for all of this essential information. This new page features the tools released this year by The […]


Because Mosquitos Are Not Under Lockdown

Written by: The DHS Program

20 Aug, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The DHS Program has paused in-person survey trainings and activities. Recognizing the desire for opportunities to showcase new survey results despite global stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines, The DHS Program has devised virtual dissemination strategies for surveys. Since April 2020, The DHS Program has worked with implementing agencies […]


World Breastfeeding Week 2020

Written by: The DHS Program

04 Aug, 2020

Countless studies have shown that breast milk is beneficial to an infant’s growth and development during the first year of life. This year’s theme for World Breastfeeding Week from the WHO and World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action highlights the importance of supporting breastfeeding with skilled breastfeeding counseling. The DHS Program has collected data for more […]


DHS Program Analysis Updates: Summer 2020

Written by: The DHS Program

23 Jul, 2020

The DHS Program’s analysis team uses DHS data to explore topics related to global health, demography, and social epidemiology. Since our last update, the analysis team has used DHS data to explore the following questions: What insights into women’s contraceptive and pregnancy experiences can be gained by examining DHS contraceptive calendars? DHS Analytical Study, Women’s Contraceptive […]


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.