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
Sep 2021
Spatial Modeling for Subnational Administrative Level 2 Small-Area EstimationSubnational estimates of the health and demographic indicators recorded in the Demographic and Health Surveys Program are of great importance for prioritizing resources and assessing if target levels for indicators are being attained.
Topics: Geographic Information
Sep 2021
Supplementary Appendices: Supplementary Information for Spatial Modeling for Subnational Administrative Level 2 Small-Area EstimationSpatial Analysis combines the detailed geographic data collected in the DHS surveys with other DHS or 3rd party data to provide geographic analysis of key demographic and health topics..
Topics: Geographic Information
Aug 2021
Levels and Trends of Infertility and ChildlessnessInfertility is a significant reproductive health issue for couples worldwide.
Topics: --
Aug 2021
Correlates of Secondary InfertilityThe experience of infertility has social, economic, and psychological effects on women and their partners.
Topics: Fertility and Fertility Preferences
Aug 2021
Measurement Approaches for Effective Coverage EstimationEffective coverage is increasingly being used to evaluate maternal and child health programs.
Topics: Child Health and Development, Health facilities/SPA surveys, Maternal Health
Aug 2021
Understanding the Link between Children's Living Arrangements and Children's Vulnerability, Care, and Well-being: The Role of Household-based SurveysThis paper examines the role that household surveys – such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) – can play in increasing our understanding of the influence of living arrangements on children’s vulnerability, care, and well-being.
Topics: Child Health and Development
Aug 2021
Review of Health Facility Referrals for Severe Malaria in DHS Program SurveysThis paper examines the severe malaria referral process for 188,686 children tested for malaria and anemia in 37 surveys across 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa collected between 2011 and 2018.
Topics: Malaria
Jul 2021
Young Women's Empowerment and Fertility IntentionsFertility intentions among young women are important drivers of future fertility trends.
Topics: Family Planning, Youth
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