Abi Manesh|Trevor Sheldon|Kate E. Pickett|Roy Carr?Hill
Accuracy of child morbidity data in demographic and health surveys
University of York|University of York|University of York|University of York
demographic health surveys dhss used throughout developing world last 20 years provide data distribution disease order inform planning data child illness death reported mothers susceptible error conducted indepth study iranian dhs carried 20002001 reviewed 110 dhs carried around world check bias assessing social gradient reported child morbidity mortality found reported under5 child morbidity mortality rates 28 iranian provinces inversely correlated r 0592 p 0001 adjusted social gradient child morbidity implied increased illness literate vs illiterate mothers 126 95 ci 120132 compared decrease mortality increased literacy 052 95 ci 046059 many dhss also show increased rates reported child diarrhoea households higher levels maternal education access piped water urban vs rural dwellings reverse found mortality rates suggests may significant recall reporting bias under5 childhood morbidity dhss caution used interpretation use data dhss survey methods reviewed