Demographic and Health Survey - 2006/07
Sri Lanka, 2006 - 2007
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Reference ID
LKA-DCS-DHS-2006-2007-v1.0
Producer(s)
Department of Census and Statistics
Metadata
Created on
Jan 05, 2023
Last modified
Jul 28, 2023
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Identification
Survey ID Number
LKA-DCS-DHS-2006-2007-v1.0
Title
Demographic and Health Survey - 2006/07
Country
| Name | Country code |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | LKA |
Study type
Demographic and Health Survey [hh/dhs]
Series Information
The Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-2007 is the seventh in the series of surveys conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics since 1975 to collect data on Fertility, Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition and awareness of HIV/AIDS.
Abstract
The primary objective of the survey is to provide up-to-date and reliable information on fertility, mortality, family planning, child nutrition, health status of children and also to assess the awareness about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, the knowledge of how it is transmitted and the preventive measures to avoid getting infected. This information is very much needed by the policy makers, planners, administrators and researchers in assessing and evaluating health programs as well as to plan new strategies for improving the health and well being of the population. The data obtained through this survey could be used for comparison with the data from surveys of similar types, such as Demographic and Health Surveys of 1987, 1993 and 2000, Contraceptive Prevalence Survey - 1982 and the World Fertility Survey of 1975 and to analyze the trends of important demographic and health characteristics over time.
Kind of Data
Sample survey data [ssd]
Unit of Analysis
(1) Woman
(2) Household
(2) Household
Version
Version Description
v1.0: Full edited dataset, original version for internal DPD use.
Version Date
2008-08-21
Version Notes
v1.0: Full edited dataset, original version for internal DPD use.
Scope
Notes
The scope of DHS 2006-2007 includes the following key sections:-
1. Demographic Information
(age, sex, marital status, education and relationship to the head of the household)
2. Household Characteristics
3. Individual Information
i. Respondent's background
ii. Reproduction
iii. Contraception
iv. Pregnancy and Postnatal Care
v. Child Immunization and Health, Child and Woman's Nutrition
vi. Sexual Activity
vii. Fertility Preferences
viii. Husband's background and Woman's work
ix. HIV/AIDS
x. Other Health Issues
1. Demographic Information
(age, sex, marital status, education and relationship to the head of the household)
2. Household Characteristics
3. Individual Information
i. Respondent's background
ii. Reproduction
iii. Contraception
iv. Pregnancy and Postnatal Care
v. Child Immunization and Health, Child and Woman's Nutrition
vi. Sexual Activity
vii. Fertility Preferences
viii. Husband's background and Woman's work
ix. HIV/AIDS
x. Other Health Issues
Topics
| Topic | Vocabulary | URI |
|---|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHY AND POPULATION [14] | CESSDA | Link |
Coverage
Geographic Coverage
Information was collected from 20 Districts (Excluding 5 Districts in the Northern Province -
Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullativu). Composition of the provinces is given below.
1 Western Province: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara
2 Southern Province: Galle, Matara, Hambanthota
3 Sabaragamuwa Province: Rathnapura, Kegalle
4 Uva Province: Badulla, Moneragala
5 Central Province: Kandy, Matale, Nuwara - Eliya
6 Eastern province: Ampara,Batticaloa,Trincomalee
7 North-Central Province: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
8 North-Western Province: Puttalama, Kurunegala
Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullativu). Composition of the provinces is given below.
1 Western Province: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara
2 Southern Province: Galle, Matara, Hambanthota
3 Sabaragamuwa Province: Rathnapura, Kegalle
4 Uva Province: Badulla, Moneragala
5 Central Province: Kandy, Matale, Nuwara - Eliya
6 Eastern province: Ampara,Batticaloa,Trincomalee
7 North-Central Province: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
8 North-Western Province: Puttalama, Kurunegala
Universe
The survey covered all household members, ever married women in the 15-49 age group
and their children below 5 years.
and their children below 5 years.
Producers and sponsors
Primary investigators
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Department of Census and Statistics | Ministry of Finance and Planning |
Funding Agency/Sponsor
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| World Bank | Providing Funds |
Sampling
Sampling Procedure
Sample Design
The SLDHS sample was designed to produce key indicators for the country as a whole, for sectors
and Districts. Information was collected from 20 Districts (Excluding 5 districts in the Northern Province -
Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullativu). Composition of the provinces is given below.
1 Western Province: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara
2 Southern Province: Galle, Matara, Hambanthota
3 Sabaragamuwa Province: Rathnapura, Kegalle
4 Uva Province: Badulla, Moneragala
5 Central Province: Kandy, Matale, Nuwara - Eliya
6 Eastern province: Ampara,Batticaloa,Trincomalee
7 North-Central Province: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
8 North-Western Province: Puttalama, Kurunegala
The SLDHS used a stratified two-stage sample design. The sample was spread geographically in
proportion to the population. The first stage involved selecting 2500 enumeration areas (clusters)
from the list of about 100,000 enumeration areas (EAs) formed in the 2001 Population Census, in
order to provide reasonably accurate estimates by National Level, Sector Level and District Level, and
to provide estimates for Tsunami affected areas as well.
An enumeration area is a sub division of a Grama Niladari Area which consists of about 80 housing
units in urban areas and about 65 units in rural or estate . The criteria used in the subdivision is that
one enumerator can visit all the units in the area within six hours to take a count of all the units and
the people residing therein .Lists of all these EAs (including information of housing units ) with a
map is available at DCS to be used as a frame for selection of samples for surveys.
The second stage of selection involved the systematic sampling of 10 households listed in each
Enumeration Area. Thus the survey covered a total of 2500 clusters: 447 urban, 1818 rural and 235
estate. Finally information was collected from 2,106 clusters while remaining 394 clusters were not
enumerated (clusters from the Northern Province and few clusters from other areas) due to various
reasons.
All ever married women aged 15-49 years and their children below 5 years of age at the time of the
survey were eligible to be interviewed. They were either usual residents of the households or visitors
present in the household on the night before the interview date.
The SLDHS sample was designed to produce key indicators for the country as a whole, for sectors
and Districts. Information was collected from 20 Districts (Excluding 5 districts in the Northern Province -
Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullativu). Composition of the provinces is given below.
1 Western Province: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara
2 Southern Province: Galle, Matara, Hambanthota
3 Sabaragamuwa Province: Rathnapura, Kegalle
4 Uva Province: Badulla, Moneragala
5 Central Province: Kandy, Matale, Nuwara - Eliya
6 Eastern province: Ampara,Batticaloa,Trincomalee
7 North-Central Province: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
8 North-Western Province: Puttalama, Kurunegala
The SLDHS used a stratified two-stage sample design. The sample was spread geographically in
proportion to the population. The first stage involved selecting 2500 enumeration areas (clusters)
from the list of about 100,000 enumeration areas (EAs) formed in the 2001 Population Census, in
order to provide reasonably accurate estimates by National Level, Sector Level and District Level, and
to provide estimates for Tsunami affected areas as well.
An enumeration area is a sub division of a Grama Niladari Area which consists of about 80 housing
units in urban areas and about 65 units in rural or estate . The criteria used in the subdivision is that
one enumerator can visit all the units in the area within six hours to take a count of all the units and
the people residing therein .Lists of all these EAs (including information of housing units ) with a
map is available at DCS to be used as a frame for selection of samples for surveys.
The second stage of selection involved the systematic sampling of 10 households listed in each
Enumeration Area. Thus the survey covered a total of 2500 clusters: 447 urban, 1818 rural and 235
estate. Finally information was collected from 2,106 clusters while remaining 394 clusters were not
enumerated (clusters from the Northern Province and few clusters from other areas) due to various
reasons.
All ever married women aged 15-49 years and their children below 5 years of age at the time of the
survey were eligible to be interviewed. They were either usual residents of the households or visitors
present in the household on the night before the interview date.
Deviations from the Sample Design
The survey covered all parts of the country excluding the Northern Province.
Response Rate
Household response rate: 97.8%.
Eligible women response rate : 97.5%
Eligible women response rate : 97.5%
Data Collection
Dates of Data Collection
| Start | End |
|---|---|
| 2006-09-01 | 2007-10-31 |
Data Collection Mode
Face-to-face [f2f]
Supervision
Instructions were given to the interviewers to ensure that every question has been answered and the response recorded correctly before leaving the household. Team supervisors were instructed to carry out consistency checks on each questionnaire in the field during the evening on the day of the interview.
10 staff officers of the Department were appointed as coordinators to arrange all field work related to the survey and to implement quality control procedures. The coordinators visited the interviewers in the field both at the beginning and in the middle of the fieldwork and reviewed the questionnaires completed by every interviewer for the consistency of the response.
10 staff officers of the Department were appointed as coordinators to arrange all field work related to the survey and to implement quality control procedures. The coordinators visited the interviewers in the field both at the beginning and in the middle of the fieldwork and reviewed the questionnaires completed by every interviewer for the consistency of the response.
Data Collection Notes
A total of 24 teams (15 Sinhala teams and 9 Tamil teams) were formed for the data collection. Each
comprised of one female supervisor, four female interviewers, one field editor, measurer (height and
weight and GPS measurements) and field assistant. The Senior staff of DCS was appointed as District
coordinators and each was assigned to accomplish the co-ordination work of the teams. The overall
responsibility of the coordinators was to assure the smooth functioning of field work. This included
the checking of filled questionnaires for quality control and also to attend to other logistics such as
transport, accommodation etc. Data collection in areas other than the Eastern Province started in
September 2006 and continued for 5 to 7 months. During this period field work had to be stopped
temporarily for a period of about one month due to the heavy rainfall in most parts of the country. The
field work of areas covering Tamil speaking communities started much later due to various reasons.
The field work which started in May 2007 continued up to October 2007
comprised of one female supervisor, four female interviewers, one field editor, measurer (height and
weight and GPS measurements) and field assistant. The Senior staff of DCS was appointed as District
coordinators and each was assigned to accomplish the co-ordination work of the teams. The overall
responsibility of the coordinators was to assure the smooth functioning of field work. This included
the checking of filled questionnaires for quality control and also to attend to other logistics such as
transport, accommodation etc. Data collection in areas other than the Eastern Province started in
September 2006 and continued for 5 to 7 months. During this period field work had to be stopped
temporarily for a period of about one month due to the heavy rainfall in most parts of the country. The
field work of areas covering Tamil speaking communities started much later due to various reasons.
The field work which started in May 2007 continued up to October 2007
Data Collectors
| Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Department of Census and Statitics | DCS |
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
A questionnaire was used to collect information from households and eligible women. Information
was collected through personal interviews. Model questionnaires developed by MEASURE DHS
were used with some modifications to match the local situation.
Additional questions were also included to satisfy the needs of the health sector and also to provide
data for the compilation of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and Millennium Development
Goals (MDG) indicators. The complete questionnaire was pre-tested by a team of well experienced
staff to test the feasibility, sequence, skipping and timing before it is being finalized. The
questionnaire was prepared in Sinhalese and Tamil languages mainly, and the English version was used
occasionally.
The questionnaire consisted of two sections namely household section and women's section. The
household questionnaire served dual purposes. One was to list all the usual members and visitors in
the selected household together with some basic information such as age, education, marital status,
Information such as Nature of residence, relationship to the head of household, some information about non communicable diseases, inadequacy of basic requirements of school going children and information about orphan-hood were used to identify eligible women and children for main interviews and also
gives an estimate of the sample population to be used as denominators for some of the household
characteristics. The second purpose was to collect information on characteristics of the household's
dwelling unit, such as the source of drinking water, type of toilet facilities, materials used for the floor
and roof of the house, tenure, garbage disposal, ownership of various durable goods, use of iodized
salt and use of mosquito nets including treated nets.
The woman's questionnaire was used to collect information from all ever married women aged 15-49
years and covered the following topics:
• Background characteristics (education, marital status, media exposure, etc.)
• Anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels
• Reproductive history and child mortality
• Knowledge and use of family planning methods
• Antenatal, intra-natal, post-natal care and breastfeeding practices
• Vaccinations, childhood illnesses and nutrition status of mothers and children
• Marriage and sexual activity
• Fertility preferences
• Woman's work and husband's background characteristics
• Awareness about AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Use of drugs, alcohol by household members and other health issues
In addition calendar of events related to eligible respondent's marriage, child births, information with
regard to contraception was recorded in a specially designed chart for a five year period prior to the
survey.
was collected through personal interviews. Model questionnaires developed by MEASURE DHS
were used with some modifications to match the local situation.
Additional questions were also included to satisfy the needs of the health sector and also to provide
data for the compilation of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and Millennium Development
Goals (MDG) indicators. The complete questionnaire was pre-tested by a team of well experienced
staff to test the feasibility, sequence, skipping and timing before it is being finalized. The
questionnaire was prepared in Sinhalese and Tamil languages mainly, and the English version was used
occasionally.
The questionnaire consisted of two sections namely household section and women's section. The
household questionnaire served dual purposes. One was to list all the usual members and visitors in
the selected household together with some basic information such as age, education, marital status,
Information such as Nature of residence, relationship to the head of household, some information about non communicable diseases, inadequacy of basic requirements of school going children and information about orphan-hood were used to identify eligible women and children for main interviews and also
gives an estimate of the sample population to be used as denominators for some of the household
characteristics. The second purpose was to collect information on characteristics of the household's
dwelling unit, such as the source of drinking water, type of toilet facilities, materials used for the floor
and roof of the house, tenure, garbage disposal, ownership of various durable goods, use of iodized
salt and use of mosquito nets including treated nets.
The woman's questionnaire was used to collect information from all ever married women aged 15-49
years and covered the following topics:
• Background characteristics (education, marital status, media exposure, etc.)
• Anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels
• Reproductive history and child mortality
• Knowledge and use of family planning methods
• Antenatal, intra-natal, post-natal care and breastfeeding practices
• Vaccinations, childhood illnesses and nutrition status of mothers and children
• Marriage and sexual activity
• Fertility preferences
• Woman's work and husband's background characteristics
• Awareness about AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Use of drugs, alcohol by household members and other health issues
In addition calendar of events related to eligible respondent's marriage, child births, information with
regard to contraception was recorded in a specially designed chart for a five year period prior to the
survey.
Data Processing
Data Editing
The processing of the SLDHS data began a few weeks after the fieldwork commenced. Completed
questionnaires were returned periodically from the field to the Data Processing Division in Colombo,
where they were coded manually by specially trained staff for this task. Data entry was done by a
group of experienced data entry persons of DCS. A Consultant from Macro assisted the Data
Processing Division and DHS Unit staff in giving necessary guidance for manual coding and editing,
data entry, verification, on line editing and machine editing.
questionnaires were returned periodically from the field to the Data Processing Division in Colombo,
where they were coded manually by specially trained staff for this task. Data entry was done by a
group of experienced data entry persons of DCS. A Consultant from Macro assisted the Data
Processing Division and DHS Unit staff in giving necessary guidance for manual coding and editing,
data entry, verification, on line editing and machine editing.
Other Processing
Data were entered using the CSPro computer package. All data were entered twice (100 percent verification).
The concurrent processing of the data was a distinct advantage for data quality, since the Survey Unit was able
to advise field teams of errors detected during data entry. Machine editing was done by two DCS staff members who
were specially trained for this purpose. The data entry and editing phase of the survey was completed
in early January 2008.
The concurrent processing of the data was a distinct advantage for data quality, since the Survey Unit was able
to advise field teams of errors detected during data entry. Machine editing was done by two DCS staff members who
were specially trained for this purpose. The data entry and editing phase of the survey was completed
in early January 2008.
Data Appraisal
Estimates of Sampling Error
For computation of sampling error estimates Microsoft Computer package CENVAR was used. CENVAR is the variance calculation component of the Integrated Microcomputer Processing System ( IMPS ), developed by the International Programmes Centre ( IPC ) of US Bureau of Census.
For each specified parameter and domain ( stratum ) estimation. CENVAR produce a tabulated output with the following measures.
- the estimated value of the parameter.
- the standard error
- the coefficient of variation
- the 95% confidence interval
- the design effect ( DEFF )
- the number of observations upon which the estimate is based.
The variance indicate the precision ( reliability ) of the estimates which is represented usually by the standard error of the estimate, equal to the square root of the variance. The variance is lower when the sample size is large.and when the sample design is efficient.
For each specified parameter and domain ( stratum ) estimation. CENVAR produce a tabulated output with the following measures.
- the estimated value of the parameter.
- the standard error
- the coefficient of variation
- the 95% confidence interval
- the design effect ( DEFF )
- the number of observations upon which the estimate is based.
The variance indicate the precision ( reliability ) of the estimates which is represented usually by the standard error of the estimate, equal to the square root of the variance. The variance is lower when the sample size is large.and when the sample design is efficient.
Access policy
Contacts
| Name | Affiliation | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Unit | Department of Census & Statistics | information@statistics.gov.lk | http//:www.statistics.gov.lk |
| Director - Demographic & Health Survey Unit | Department of Census & Statistics | lpdesilva@statistics.gov.lk | http//:www.statistics.gov.lk |
Confidentiality
Under the Statistical ordinance, micro data cannot be released with identifications for public use. Procedures are in place to ensure that information relating to any particular individual person, household or undertaking will be kept strictly confidential and will not be divulged to external parties. Information on individual or individual Household/establishment will not be divulged or published in such a form that will facilitate the identification of any particular person or establishment as the data have been collected under the Census/Statistical ordinance, according to which the information at individual level cannot be divulged and such information is strictly confidential.
Access conditions
The dataset has been anonymized and is available as a Public Use Dataset. It is accessible to all for statistical and research purposes only, under the following terms and conditions:
1. The data and other materials will not be redistributed or sold to other individuals, institutions, or organizations without the written agreement.
2. The data will be used for statistical and scientific research purposes only. They will be used solely for reporting of aggregated information, and not for investigation of specific individuals or organizations.
3. No attempt will be made to re-identify respondents, and no use will be made of the identity of any person or establishment discovered inadvertently.
4. No attempt will be made to produce links among datasets provided by the Department or among data from the Department and other datasets that could identify individuals or organizations.
5. Any books, articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, reports, or other publications that employ data obtained from the Department will cite the source of data in accordance with the Citation Requirement provided with each dataset.
6. An electronic copy of all reports and publications based on the requested data will be sent to the Department
The following rules apply to micro data released by the Department of Census and Statistics.
• Only the requests of Government Institutions, Recognized Universities, Students, and selected international agencies are entertained. However, the Data users are required to strictly adhere to the terms stipulated in the agreement form.
• All the data requests should be made to Director General (DG) of the DCS as the sole authority of releasing data is vested with the DG, DCS. DCS of Sri Lanka reserves sole right to approve or reject any data request made depending on the confidential nature of the data set and intended purpose of the study or analysis.
• Requests for micro data should be made through the agreement form designed by DCS for this purpose (Form D.R.1). The agreement form should be filled in triplicate and the Study/project proposal should accompany the filled agreement form. If requests are made for the micro data of more than one survey, a separate agreement should be signed.
• If the data request is from a student a letter from the respective Dept. Head/Dean/Supervisor, recommending the issue of data, should also be accompanied.
• If the request is approved only 25% of the data file is released at the first stage. The release of the total data file is considered only after reviewing the draft report prepared on the basis of the 25% sample data file.
• The released Data file should be used only for the specific study/Analysis mentioned in the agreement form and shall not be used for any other purpose without the prior approval of the Director General of the DCS. Moreover, Copies of the micro-data file, obtained from the DCS, shall not be given to anyone else without the prior written approval of the Director General of the DCS.
• The draft report of the Study/Analysis should be submitted to the DCS and the concurrence of the DG, DCS, should be obtained before publishing it. Once published, a copy of the final report should be submitted to the DCS.
[Department : The Department of Census and Statistics]
Source : http://www.statistics.gov.lk/databases/data%20dissemination/DataDissaPolicy_2007Oct26.pdf
1. The data and other materials will not be redistributed or sold to other individuals, institutions, or organizations without the written agreement.
2. The data will be used for statistical and scientific research purposes only. They will be used solely for reporting of aggregated information, and not for investigation of specific individuals or organizations.
3. No attempt will be made to re-identify respondents, and no use will be made of the identity of any person or establishment discovered inadvertently.
4. No attempt will be made to produce links among datasets provided by the Department or among data from the Department and other datasets that could identify individuals or organizations.
5. Any books, articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, reports, or other publications that employ data obtained from the Department will cite the source of data in accordance with the Citation Requirement provided with each dataset.
6. An electronic copy of all reports and publications based on the requested data will be sent to the Department
The following rules apply to micro data released by the Department of Census and Statistics.
• Only the requests of Government Institutions, Recognized Universities, Students, and selected international agencies are entertained. However, the Data users are required to strictly adhere to the terms stipulated in the agreement form.
• All the data requests should be made to Director General (DG) of the DCS as the sole authority of releasing data is vested with the DG, DCS. DCS of Sri Lanka reserves sole right to approve or reject any data request made depending on the confidential nature of the data set and intended purpose of the study or analysis.
• Requests for micro data should be made through the agreement form designed by DCS for this purpose (Form D.R.1). The agreement form should be filled in triplicate and the Study/project proposal should accompany the filled agreement form. If requests are made for the micro data of more than one survey, a separate agreement should be signed.
• If the data request is from a student a letter from the respective Dept. Head/Dean/Supervisor, recommending the issue of data, should also be accompanied.
• If the request is approved only 25% of the data file is released at the first stage. The release of the total data file is considered only after reviewing the draft report prepared on the basis of the 25% sample data file.
• The released Data file should be used only for the specific study/Analysis mentioned in the agreement form and shall not be used for any other purpose without the prior approval of the Director General of the DCS. Moreover, Copies of the micro-data file, obtained from the DCS, shall not be given to anyone else without the prior written approval of the Director General of the DCS.
• The draft report of the Study/Analysis should be submitted to the DCS and the concurrence of the DG, DCS, should be obtained before publishing it. Once published, a copy of the final report should be submitted to the DCS.
[Department : The Department of Census and Statistics]
Source : http://www.statistics.gov.lk/databases/data%20dissemination/DataDissaPolicy_2007Oct26.pdf
Citation requirements
"Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006-2007, Version 1.0 of the public use dataset , provided by the National Data Archives, Data Processing Division , www.statistics.gov.lk
Access authority
| Name | Affiliation | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director General | Department of Census and Statistics | dgcensus@sltnet.lk | http//:www.statistics.gov.lk |
Disclaimer and copyrights
Disclaimer
The Department of Census and Satatistics bears no responsibility for any results or interpretations arising from the secondary use of the data.
Copyright
(c) 2008, Department of Census and Statistics
Metadata production
DDI Document ID
DDI-LKA-DCS-DHS-2006-2007--v1.0
Producers
| Name | Abbreviation | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Census and Statistics | DCS | Ministry of Finance and Planning | Production of reference material |
| Data Processing Division | DPD | Department of Census and Statistics | Conversion to DDI |
Date of Metadata Production
2008-08-21
DDI Document version
Version 1.0 (August 2008). Initial version