The DHS Program is excited to continue this series to keep you up-to-date on nutrition in The DHS Program. The nutrition portfolio aligns with the overall goals of the Program to:
Ensure Quality Data
Build Capacity
Increase Data Use
Explore Innovations
Ensure Quality Data
Measurement Error and Anthropometry
Accurate and precise population-based anthropometric estimates are critical to inform policies and programs. In this Methodological Report, two surveys were selected with high quality anthropometric data and different nutrition status profiles. Researchers then introduced measurement error to better understand the impact of data quality on anthropometric estimates.
Anthropometry Data Quality Assessment
Anthropometry data quality assessment can aid in the interpretability or limit the potential use of findings. In this paper, a composite index of anthropometry data quality for height-for-age z-scores and weight-for-age z-scores was developed using a set of individual anthropometric data quality indicators and 145 DHS surveys were ranked. This index provides a measure for the relative anthropometric data quality between surveys.
Comparing Anemia Estimates between Population-Based Surveys
The DHS Program is a major source of anemia data globally. In this paper, external consistency of anemia estimates is assessed by comparing surveys paired by time and year from The DHS Program and the BRINDA (Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia) project. Large variations in anemia estimates existed between surveys in the same country. Click the image to link to the paper and learn more.
Capacity Strengthening
Nutrition Data during COVID-19
Rising malnutrition estimates due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are of global concern, and perhaps now more than ever the need for nutrition data is paramount. During COVID-19, The DHS Program has conducted regular calls with global anthropometry experts to discuss the challenges and solutions for conducting anthropometry training and data collection safely. The DHS Program continues to adapt to the new normal and incorporate best practices to support country surveys, including the use of virtual technologies to support all survey processes and the use of DHS South-2-South consultants. Look out for resources that will be launched later this year on The DHS Program Learning Hub!
Increase Data Use
STATcompiler Updates
STATcompiler allows users to make custom tables of indicators for more than 90 countries. The definition of children’s Minimum Diet Diversity (MDD) indicator has changed in DHS surveys to align with new global guidance. MDD is defined as the percent of children age 6-23 months who were fed foods and beverages from at least 5 out of 8 defined food groups during the previous day. Now you can view the updated indicator on STATcompiler for DHS surveys. Click the image below to explore the indicator on STATcompiler.
Explore Innovations
Micronutrient Design Brief
The DHS Program’s survey design briefs provide countries with information to consider when designing a DHS survey. With the addition of the DHS Survey Design: Micronutrient Status brief, countries now have information to help decide whether to include biomarkers that assess micronutrient status in their DHS survey.
Nutrition-related Optional Modules
To expand the scope of a survey, topic-specific optional modules can be added to the DHS standard questionnaires. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) is an optional module now available for inclusion in DHS surveys. The FIES is a measure of moderate and severe food insecurity, and this indicator is a Sustainable Development Goal. There are also nutrition questions included in the Supplemental Module on Maternal Health on pregnancy weight measurement during antenatal care and rooming-in in the first two days after delivery.
Questionnaire Adaptations for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and Minimum Diet Diversity for Women
Dietary practices are context and culturally specific; for instance in one country mangoes might be commonly consumed while in another country they are not consumed at all. How does The DHS Program handle this? The DHS Program has partnered with the Global Diet Quality Project to customize survey questions on liquids and foods consumed by children and women for inclusion in DHS surveys. Stay tuned, these adapted country questionnaires will be made available in a public database!
Madagascar fruits, photo by Rafa, stock.adobe.com
DHS Data Corner
Use of DHS Nutrition Data Globally
The DHS Program is a major source of nutrition data globally. DHS data contributes to several databases and reports including:
The prevalence of anemia among children under 5 increased from 76% in 2008 to 80% in 2013 before decreasing to 68% in 2019.
Fifty-six percent of women age 15-49 have achieved Minimum Diet Diversity, having consumed food from five or more of the 10 total food groups in the day or night preceding the interview.
The 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
Ensure Quality Data
Capacity Strengthening
Increase Data Use
Explore Innovations
