Dissemination of Survey Results

Dissemination of the survey results is a key objective of the survey program in order to promote the use of survey data for policy and program purposes. Each MEASURE DHS survey incorporates a mix of dissemination products and activities.

On This Page

• National Seminar
• Survey Reports and Publications
• Distribution of Datasets
• Online Databases
• Training and Support of Data Use

National Seminar

A national seminar is held to present the main survey findings to policy makers, program managers, researchers and representatives of donor organizations. The seminar is generally covered in the mass media, thus helping to generate utilization of these data for policy and program purposes. Some countries organize regional seminars to ensure that the results are known and utilized beyond the national policy and program level.

Survey Reports and Dissemination Materials

Survey reports and dissemination materials are made available online and in print and include:

• Final Reports that present comprehensive survey results including data tabulations.
• Summary Reports/Key Findings that provide a colorful synopsis of the more comprehensive Final Report and highlight key findings from each country's survey. 
• Fact Sheets that summarize the major results of DHS or AIS surveys in a brochure format.
• Other Dissemination Materials that include wall charts, presentations, and special requests from countries for dissemination materials.

• Learn more about Survey Reports, Dissemination Materials, and other publication types

Distribution of Datasets

MEASURE DHS believes that widespread access to survey data by responsible researchers has enormous advantages for the countries concerned, and the international community in general. Therefore, MEASURE DHS policy is to release survey data to researchers after the main survey report is published, generally within 12 months after the end of fieldwork. These datasets are made available on the MEASURE DHS website through a process of electronic registration.

• Learn more about datasets
• View available datasets
• View instructions for requesting datasets

Online Databases

MEASURE DHS makes available a variety of online tools and databases to facilitate the accessibility and use of survey data.

• STATcompiler
  The DHS STATcompiler is an innovative online database tool that allows users to select numerous countries and hundreds of indicators to create customized tables that serve their specific data needs. STATcompiler accesses nearly all of the population and health indicators that are published in DHS final reports. STATcompiler can be found at: www.statcompiler.com.
• STATmapper
  STATmapper is an interactive mapping application, allows users to create maps in seconds from a database of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) findings from more than 75 countries. A variety of information can be mapped, ranging from fertility rates to infant mortality to household characteristics like running water and possession of durable goods. STATmapper can be found at: www.statmapper.com.
• HIV/AIDS Indicators Database
  The HIV/AIDS Survey Indicators Database provides provides an easily accessible and comprehensive source of information on HIV/AIDS indicators from MEASURE DHS and other sources. The database can be found at: www.measuredhs.com/hivdata
• HIVmapper
  The HIVmapper is an interactive GIS mapping tool which allows users to quickly create maps based on MEASURE DHS data found in the HIV/AIDS Survey Indicators Database. HIVmapper can be found at: www.hivmapper.com

Training and Support of Data Use

• Development of training tools
• Specialized training concerning the utilization of dissemination tools