Overview

DHS Surveys

In addition to measuring childhood mortality, DHS surveys collect information on several child health indicators, including vaccination of children, prevalence and treatment of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and fever, and diarrhea.  Final reports also present child health statistics in relationship to women’s status.  Prevention and treatment of malaria in children is usually presented in the malaria chapter.

Related Indicators

• Vaccinations by source of information
• Vaccinations by background characteristics
• Prevalence and treatment of acute respiratory infection and of fever
• Diarrhea prevalence
• Hand-washing materials and facilities
• Disposal of child's stools
• Knowledge of diarrhea care
• Treatment of diarrhea
• Feeding practices during diarrhea

SPA surveys

SPA surveys collect a large range of child health service provision indicators.  The SPA is designed to assess the availability of preventive services (such as immunization and growth monitoring) and outpatient care for sick children. 

Related Indicators

• Measuring Immunizations: The SPA examines adherence to the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) which includes one dose of TB (BCG) and measles vaccines and 3 doses of DPT and polio vaccines.
• Growth Monitoring: includes weighing of children and plotting the weight against standards to identify nutritional problems.
• Quality of Care for the Sick Child: The SPA assesses the availability of equipment, supplies and health system components necessary to provide quality outpatient care for sick children. Observation of the provider-patient interaction allows for evaluation of counselling and treatment, as well as adherence to IMCI protocols.

Related Publications

Final DHS reports: All DHS final reports include child health indicators in the Maternal and Child Health chapter.

All Maternal and Child Health SPAs contain a variety of child health indicators.