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Prevalence and Risk factors of Child Malnutrition [message #29462]

Sun, 23 June 2024 22:59

ruram1m@cmich.edu
Messages: 2
Registered: June 2024

Member

Hi Everyone, I am conducting research on the Prevalence and risk factors of child malnutrition in Bangladesh using the BDHS dataset. However, I have encountered a high percentage of missing values for some variables (S324H, S433KF, M2D, M3F), sometimes up to 50%. As I am new to using the BDHS dataset, I would appreciate your guidance and support on how to find these missing values effectively.

Thanks

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Re: Prevalence and Risk factors of Child Malnutrition [message #29481 is a reply to message #29462]

Tue, 25 June 2024 10:17

Janet-DHS
Messages: 938
Registered: April 2022

Senior Member

Following is a response from DHS staff member, Tom Pullum:
As has been stated many times on the forum, a dot (".") does not mean "missing". It means "Not Applicable" or NA. For example, m2d is a yes/no variable for whether prenatal care was from a "community health care provider". This is one of several types of potential providers. The questions about types of providers are only asked if there has already been a "yes" response to a question about whether this child had prenatal care. Also, for this question, there may have been a previous filter related to the age of the child, whether it's the most recent, etc. If you look at the questionnaire you will be able to find the skips and filters that lead to the specific question.

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Re: Prevalence and Risk factors of Child Malnutrition [message #31275 is a reply to message #29481]

Thu, 07 August 2025 23:51

kanghurry
Messages: 1
Registered: August 2025

Member

That a dot (".") does not indicate "missing" has been said numerous times on the topic. It denotes "Not Applicable" or just NA. As an example, m2d measures the presence or absence of a "community health care provider" during the pregnancy. There are a number of possible providers like this. After a "yes" answer to the question regarding whether the kid had prenatal care is recorded, only then are the questions regarding provider types asked. Also, the child's age (and whether or not it's the most recent) might have been a filter for this question before. Looking over the survey will reveal the skips and filters that lead to that particular question.
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QUERY REGARDING CONSUMPTION OF VITAMIN A RICH FOOD AND IRON RICH FOOD BY CHILDREN AGED 6-35 MONTHS

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