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Consistency of variable categories [message #28649] Tue, 13 February 2024 21:02 Go to next message
bugz is currently offline  bugz
Messages: 8
Registered: January 2024
Member
Hi,
I have checked the two waves of Malawi DHS and identified that the water source variable has category 21 for tube well and 32 for unprotected well.
however, in the next wave 2000, the category 21 is and 32 is different from 2015 wave;


in 2000 it is as below (tab hv201)

21. unprotected well
32 unprotected well
42. river/stream


in 2015 it is as below (tab hv201)

21 tube well or borehole
32 unprotected well



Could you please tell me whether this is the case in all waves or is it a mere typo in data cleaning..
thank you!

[Updated on: Tue, 13 February 2024 21:02]

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Re: Consistency of variable categories [message #28660 is a reply to message #28649] Thu, 15 February 2024 16:32 Go to previous message
Janet-DHS is currently offline  Janet-DHS
Messages: 698
Registered: April 2022
Senior Member
Following is a response from DHS staff member, Tom Pullum:

Changes in the category labels for water source (and also for toilet facilities) have been made because of changes in the WHO classifications of certain types with respect to whether they are improved or unimproved. Bottled water has also shifted, because at some point it was determined that in some settings, at least, bottled water cannot be assumed to be pure.

I think if you look at surveys in other countries at about the same time as the Malawi surveys you will see the same kind of intentional shifting of codes. I'm pretty sure they are correct--this is actually one of the most important indicators. If you still have doubts about this, please ask again and I will check further.
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