DHS Surveys collect data on various nutrition
indicators for both women and children.
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices play an important role in determining the health and development of children. DHS surveys assess the breastfeeding status of infants, with special attention to exclusive breastfeeding, which is recommended for the first six months of life along with the complementary feeding of children 6-23 months with three key IYCF practices i.e., continued breastfeeding or feeding of milk or milk products (non-breastfed child) and feeding children solid foods the minimum number of times and minimum number of food groups according to WHO guidelines for age-appropriate feeding of the breastfed and non-breastfed child.
Nutritional status is a reflection of health as well as the level of a society's development, and malnutrition is one of the most critical health and development problems facing women and children in developing regions of the world. Demographic and Health Surveys collect height and weight measurements, allowing for an analysis of nutritional status (stunting, wasting and underweight) for children as well as underweight and overweight for women.
Micronutrient deficiencies are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among women and children. MEASURE DHS examines correlates and determinants of malnutrition through standard survey results, including micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin A and anemia) and supplementation, and fortification of salt (iodized salt).
