At times, the full DHS, SPA and AIS surveys do not need the specific needs of a country. Perhaps national leaders are looking for a shorter survey that can provide results in only six months. Or maybe they are looking to focus only on a few specific indicators in a smaller population, such as reproductive-aged men. Perhaps they are looking to integrate specific biomarkers into their national health data, want to start mapping the location of various health facilities or need to track the results of smaller health interventions. In such cases where the full DHS survey is not necessary or sufficient, MEASURE DHS will work with national representatives to design a relevant survey tool.

Benchmark Surveys

Benchmark surveys are short surveys designed to collect information for a very specific set of needed indicators.  DHS benchmark surveys have been done in Nepal and India.  Data and publications from benchmark surveys are not available to the public. 

KAP Surveys

The Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Survey is similar to the DHS, but is implemented on a smaller scale and does not include birth histories.  In Tanzania in 1994 it focused on knowledge and use of contraceptives, while in Malawi in 1996 the KAP studied contraceptive use, malaria, children's health, and HIV/AIDS knowledge and behaviors. 

Panel Surveys

A panel survey uses the same group of respondents for two subsequent surveys.  The Morocco 1995 DHS used a panel methodology.

Specialized Surveys

Additional surveys may be required to coordinate with other population-based surveys during the course of the MEASURE program. Such surveys may be designed to obtain specialized information from a population subgroup such as men or young adults. Countries in which adolescents are the target of programs may want to include a special survey of this group. Countries may also identify needs for special surveys on specific topics, e.g., expenditures on health care, women's empowerment, and education. There may also be scope in some countries for an "add-on" survey, in which a limited number of questions are added to an existing survey.

Additional Methodologies

Biomarkers

Through the collection and analysis of biological measurements, a more direct assessment of health status may be achieved for certain diseases, conditions, or risk factors. DHS has extensive experience using Hemocue for anemia testing in over 15 countries. Recently, DHS has begun to include the collection of biomarkers to assess the prevalence of infectious diseases including HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia. Biomarker data for non-communicable diseases have been collected, including hypertension (blood pressure), diabetes (glycosylated hemoglobin), and cardiovascular disorders (cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins). In addition, biomarkers for vitamin A and lead have been collected in some surveys. Protocols for the collection of specimens in the DHS have been developed for dried blood spots, blood serum/plasma, and vaginal swabs. International standards have been adapted for specimen collection, measurement, laboratory analysis, quality control, safety, and analysis of data.

Geographic Data Collection

In 1996, the DHS surveys began to collect geographic locations in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates for the communities where DHS respondents live. One latitude/longitude coordinate is collected for each community in the DHS survey. This set of point locations can then be linked to all of the household and individual-level attributes contained in the full DHS dataset. Within a Geographic Information System, other datasets such as road networks and land cover can be analyzed simultaneously.

For more information on geographic data collection see "New Directions: DHS Surveys Incorporate Geographic Data," page 1 of DHS Dimensions Volume 2, Number 1. (PDF, 884K)