One of the most significant contributions of The DHS Program is the creation of an internationally
comparable body of data on the demographic and hea
lth characteristics of populations in developing
countries.
The
DHS Comparative Reports
series examines these data across c
ountries in a comparative framework.
The
DHS Analytical Studies
series focuses on analysis of specific topics. The principal objectives of both
series are to provide information for policy formul
ation at the international level and to examine
individual country results in an international context.
While
Comparative Reports
are primarily descriptive,
Analytical Studies
provide in-depth, focused
studies on a variety of substantive topics. The studi
es are based on a varying number of data sets,
depending on the topic being examined. These st
udies employ a range of methodologies, including
multivariate statistical techniques.
The DHS Program staff, in conjunction with the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID),
selects the topics covered in
Analytical Studies.
It is anticipated that the
DHS Analytical Studies
will enhance the understanding of analysts and
policymakers regarding significant issues in the
fields of international population and health.