| Guidance regarding DHS Data Sharing Policy [message #31883] |
Tue, 12 May 2026 11:33 |
AH Bhuiyan
Messages: 1
Registered: May 2026
Location: Dhaka Bangladesh
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We recently submitted a manuscript based on the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2022 dataset to PLOS ONE. During the editorial screening process, the journal requested that we upload the underlying dataset to a public repository such as Figshare or Dryad in accordance with their data sharing policy.
However, as the BDHS 2022 data were obtained through the DHS Program under approved access conditions, we understand that we may not have permission to publicly redistribute the raw dataset outside the DHS platform.
Our current Data Availability Statement is as follows:
"The data analyzed in this study were obtained from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2022, conducted under the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program. The dataset is publicly accessible; however, due to ethical and legal restrictions set by the DHS Program, the authors are not permitted to share the data directly. Researchers interested in accessing the data may do so by registering and submitting a data request through the DHS Program website. The BDHS 2022 dataset can be accessed at https://www.dhsprogram.com/data/dataset/Bangladesh_Standard- DHS_2022.cfm."
However, the journal has requested clarification and asked us to provide the data in a public repository. The relevant part of the editorial email is as follows:
"Thank you for uploading your study's underlying data set. Unfortunately, the repository you have noted in your Data Availability statement does not qualify as an acceptable data repository according to PLOS's standards.
At this time, please upload the minimal data set necessary to replicate your study's findings to a stable, public repository (such as Figshare or Dryad) and provide us with the relevant URLs, DOIs, or accession numbers that may be used to access these data."
In this context, we would be grateful for your guidance on the following:
1. Whether authors using DHS datasets are permitted to upload BDHS respondent-level data to external public repositories such as Figshare or Dryad.
2. Whether the DHS Program has any recommended wording or official guidance for journals requesting deposition in open repositories.
We would highly appreciate your advice so that we can respond appropriately to the journal while remaining fully compliant with DHS data use policies.
Thank you very much for your time and support.
[Updated on: Tue, 12 May 2026 11:34] Report message to a moderator |
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