Extensive health indicators are made to be compared to educational levels as well as other background characteristics on STATcompiler; compare among countries and analyze trends over time.

What purpose does education serve in DHS surveys?

Education is a key background indicator in the DHS that helps contextualize a country’s health and development situation. The DHS collects data on the highest level of education for all respondents and all household members. Thus, health indicators can be compared to educational levels, often revealing a strong association between education and improved health, higher levels of knowledge, and increased levels of empowerment of women.

Where can I find education indicators?

Final DHS reports: All DHS final reports include education indicators in the chapters on Household and Respondent characteristics. In addition, all subsequent chapters display population, health and nutrition data by educational level. 

Analyses of education on health and development are detailed in other DHS publications: analytical studies, comparative reports, further analyses, policy briefs, working papers, among others.

Photo credit: © 2006 Basil A. Safi/CCP, Courtesy of Photoshare. Students participate in the Health Competent School Initiative after-school program at an elementary school in Mafraq, Jordan. The program promotes fitness, nutrition, non-smoking, and hygiene.