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
Aug 2022
Urban Poverty and Child Health Indicators in Six African Countries with DHS DataThere has been a rapid growth in urban areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Nutrition, Wealth/Socioeconomics
May 2022
Profile and Correlates of Persons Living with DisabilityIt is estimated that approximately 15% of the global population live with a disability and this can vary greatly by country and by population subgroups.
Topics: Disability, Domestic Violence, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Jul 2021
Comparing Ideal and Completed Family Size: A Focus on Women in Low-and Middle-Income Countries with Unrealized FertilityThe study of fertility preferences in relation to the number of children is important for understanding the factors that contribute to fertility levels.
Topics: Fertility and Fertility Preferences, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Sep 2020
Household Wealth Relative to Community Wealth: Associations with Specific Asset Ownership and Maternal and Child Health IndicatorsThis report describes inequalities in asset ownership and maternal and child health indicator coverage in 11 countries, using the most recent Demographic and Health surveys from each country.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Maternal Health, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Aug 2020
Variations in Health Outcomes with Alternative Measures of Urbanicity, Using Demographic and Health Surveys 2013-18The literature has firmly established the link between urban/rural place of residence and health indicators, and the association of poor health outcomes and health services in rural areas.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Family Planning, Geographic Information, Maternal Health, Nutrition, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Aug 2018
Absolute Poverty, Fertility Preferences, and Family Planning Use in FP2020 Focus CountriesBroad gains in contraceptive access and use have been made in low-income countries over the past decade while poverty has declined, but the trends have been uneven.
Topics: Family Planning, Fertility and Fertility Preferences, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Aug 2016
Urban Child Poverty, Health, and Survival in Low- and Middle-Income CountriesThis report examines levels and trends in poverty, health status, and use of health services among children under age 5 living in large cities in low- and middle-income countries, and compares their health status and use of services to those of their other urban, rural, and non-poor counterparts.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Infant and Child Mortality, Nutrition, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Aug 2016
Levels and Trends in Maternal and Child Health Disparities by Wealth and Region in Eleven Countries with DHS SurveysThis report describes recent levels and trends in 11 maternal and child health (MCH) indicators in 11 countries, using the two most recent DHS surveys from each country.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Family Planning, Maternal Health, Nutrition, Wealth/Socioeconomics
Aug 2016
Levels and Determinants of Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Namibia, and RwandaThis study uses data from the Demographic and Health Surveys to explore the levels and determinants of out-of-pocket health expenditures in four African countries— Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Liberia, Namibia, and Rwanda.
Topics: Wealth/Socioeconomics
Sep 2015
The Prevalence of Household Risk Factors for Children Age 0-17, Estimated for 2000-2015 Using DHS and MICS SurveysChildren whose parents and households have certain characteristics are known to be more vulnerable to negative child outcomes.
Topics: Child Health and Development, HIV/AIDS, Household and Respondent Characteristics, Wealth/Socioeconomics