Journal Articles
Search our database of 1000's of peer-reviewed journal articles that feature DHS data.
Featured Studies
Featured research topics go beyond a single research paper and often include multiple publications and user-friendly summaries and dissemination materials.
The DHS Fellows Program
Researchers in DHS countries work with DHS analysts to design, analyze, and write a publishable paper.
DHS Analysis Blogs
Read more about our recent research, innovative methods, and success stories.
Research and Further Analysis
The DHS Program's in-house Research and Analysis team conducts rigorous, timely, and innovative mixed-methods research on topics related to global public health, demography, and social epidemiology. Our team also trains, mentors, and closely collaborates with fellow researchers and stakeholders who are driven to utilize DHS Program surveys and other survey data to inform programs and policies in various countries and contexts.
Visit the publications search for a full list of publications. Also, go to the journal articles search for a full list of published journal artilcles that feature The DHS Program data.
DHS Research Reports
Feb 2012
Measuring Concurrent Sexual Partnerships: Experience of the MEASURE DHS Project to DateThe purpose of the report is to summarize the Reference Group recommendations, to explain the specific procedures the MEASURE DHS project uses to calculate the standard indicators, to present the data on concurrency available at the present time, and to discuss some of the challenges and limitations.
Topics: HIV/AIDS
Jan 2012
Revising Unmet Need for Family PlanningUnmet need for family planning is defined using survey data as the percentage of women who do not want to become pregnant but are not using contraception.
Topics: Family Planning
Dec 2011
The Impact of Television and Radio on Reproductive Behavior and on HIV/AIDS Knowledge and BehaviorThis is a study of the association of radio and television exposure with different aspects of reproductive behavior and with knowledge, attitudes, and behavior in connection with HIV/AIDS.
Topics: Family Planning, HIV/AIDS
Sep 2011
The Impact of Contraceptive Failure on Unintended Births and Induced Abortions: Estimates and Strategies for ReductionUsing data from 20 recent Demographic and Health Surveys (Armenia 2005, Azerbaijan 2006, Bangladesh 2004, Colombia 2010, Dominican Republic 2002, Egypt 2008, India 2005-06, Indonesia 2007, Jordan 2007, Kenya 2003, Malawi 2004, Moldova 2005, Morocco 2003-04, Peru 2004-08,[1] Philippines 2003, Tanzania 2004-05, Turkey 2003, Ukraine 2007, Vietnam 2002, and Zimbabwe 2005-06), we estimate 1) the impact of contraceptive failure on unintended births and induced abortions, and 2) levels of unintended births and induced abortions that could be achieved if current family planning users adopted more effective contraceptive methods.
Topics: Family Planning
Sep 2011
Changes in the Direct and Indirect Determinants of Fertility in Sub-Saharan AfricaThis report tracks changes in fertility and its determinants in 13 sub-Saharan countries that have had three or more DHS surveys and show at least some evidence of beginning a fertility transition.
Topics: Fertility and Fertility Preferences
Sep 2011
The Use of Family Planning Methods in Mali: The How and Why of Taking ActionThis study examines the situation of women in Mali who use modern contraceptive methods and compares this to the situation of women who do not, in order to understand how and why women take action to use family planning.
Topics: Family Planning
Sep 2011
Trends in Birth SpacingThe purpose of this comparative report is to examine the levels and trends of birth intervals as documented in the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS).
Topics: Fertility and Fertility Preferences
Jul 2011
Trends in Nutritional Status of Adult Women in Sub-Saharan AfricaThe study investigates long-term trends in nutritional status (height and BMI) of African women, using data from 70 DHS Surveys.
Topics: Nutrition
Jun 2011
Levels and Trends in the Use of Maternal Health Services in Developing CountriesThis study aims to contribute to the understanding of use of key maternal health services in the past two decades in developing countries.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Infant and Child Mortality, Maternal Health, Maternal Mortality
Sep 2010
Birth Spacing and Limiting ConnectionsContraception can be used both for spacing and for limiting of births.
Topics: Family Planning