The 2010 MDHS presents the major findings of a large, nationally representative sample survey. It is the fourth survey of its kind to be conducted in Malawi, encompassing a total of 27,000 households and involving 24,000 female and 7,000 male respondents. The survey, which has expanded in sample size over the years, updates the 1992, 2000, and 2004 survey findings. The 2010 report is the second in the series to include results of HIV testing. In addition to presenting national estimates, the report provides estimates of key indicators for rural and urban areas in Malawi, the three regions, and for the first time, the 27 districts.
The primary objective of the 2010 MDHS is to provide up-to-date information for policymakers, planners, researchers, and programme managers. Topics include fertility levels, nuptiality, fertility preferences, knowledge and use of family planning methods, breastfeeding practices, nutritional status of mothers and children, childhood illnesses and mortality, use of maternal and child health services, maternal mortality, and domestic violence. The survey also reports on the anaemia status of women age 15-49 and children age 6-59 months. Chapters on infectious processes cover malaria, HIV and AIDS-related knowledge and behaviour, and HIV prevalence. The 2010 MDHS results demonstrate a decline in current fertility, an increase in use of modern methods of contraception, an improvement in child vaccination rates, and expanded coverage of prior HIV testing.
The final report is available here.
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