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STATA do files for variable labeling [message #31812]

Fri, 13 March 2026 07:36

anaisewilliams
Messages: 1
Registered: March 2026

Member

I recently ran analysis on a number of pooled DHS surveys. I realized I did not run the do files that were downloaded with the dtas from the DHS website. It looks like these do files label variables and variable values and, from briefly reviewing, I think the labels in the raw dta are the same other than capitalization. Is it correct to assume that the variable labels and variable value labels are correct in the raw unedited downloaded dtas? Thank you.

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Re: STATA do files for variable labeling [message #31918 is a reply to message #31812]

Sat, 13 June 2026 02:37

Leanderbett
Messages: 2
Registered: June 2026

Member

Yes, the raw DHS .dta files usually already contain correct variable and value labels. The .do files mainly add formatting or derived variables. If the only difference is capitalization, your analysis should not be affected.

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Re: STATA do files for variable labeling [message #31920 is a reply to message #31812]

Mon, 15 June 2026 22:37

Leanderbett
Messages: 2
Registered: June 2026

Member

In my experience, the DHS .dta files already contain the correct variable and value labels, and the accompanying do files mainly standardize or reapply them. I would still spot check a few key variables across surveys to make sure nothing was lost during pooling.

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