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
Modeling Interviewer Effects in DHS SurveysA previous DHS methodological report (MR24) examined the effects of interviewer characteristics on data quality in DHS surveys.
Topics: Survey Methodology, Data Quality, Analysis
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
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
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
Levels and Trends of Infertility and ChildlessnessInfertility is a significant reproductive health issue for couples worldwide.
Topics: --
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
Jul 2021
Young Women's Empowerment and Fertility IntentionsFertility intentions among young women are important drivers of future fertility trends.
Topics: Family Planning, Youth
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
Sep 2020
Typologies and Trajectories: A Descriptive Study of Men's Reproductive Life CourseThere is little research on the implications of family formation patterns for individual outcomes and life course trajectories of men.
Topics: Gender
Sep 2020
Data Quality in Demographic and Health Surveys That Used Long and Short QuestionnairesSince the first phase of The DHS Program in 1984, DHS surveys have increased in scope and complexity as questionnaires are lengthened and survey modules are added.
Topics: --