Demographic and Health Survey 2016 (South Africa)

Abstract

The primary objective of the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) 2016 is to provide up-to-date estimates of basic demographic and health indicators. Specifically, the SADHS 2016 collected information on fertility levels; marriage; sexual activity; fertility preferences; awareness and use of contraceptives; breastfeeding practices; nutrition; childhood and maternal mortality; maternal health, including antenatal and postnatal care; key aspects of child health, including immunisation coverage and prevalence and treatment of acute respiratory infection (ARI), fever, and diarrhoea; potential exposure to the risk of HIV infection; coverage of HIV counselling and testing (HCT); and physical and sexual violence against women. Another critical objective of the SADHS 2016 is to provide estimates of health and behaviour indicators for adults age 15 and older, including use of tobacco, alcohol, and codeine-containing medications. In addition, the SADHS 2016 provides estimates of the prevalence of anaemia among children age 6-59 months and adults age 15 and older, and the prevalence of hypertension, anaemia, high HbA1c levels (an indicator of diabetes), and HIV among adults age 15 and older.

The information collected through the SADHS 2016 is intended to assist policymakers and programme managers in evaluating and designing programmes and strategies for improving the health of the country’s population.