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Home » Data » General Data Questions » Phase-8 core questionnaire - iron supplementation question
Phase-8 core questionnaire - iron supplementation question [message #22011] Tue, 19 January 2021 15:09 Go to next message
DHS user is currently offline  DHS user
Messages: 111
Registered: February 2013
Senior Member
I would like to get your verification on the 'iron supplementation' question included in the phase-8 core questionnaire. On the DHS8_Womans_QRE_EN, page W-39, child nutrition section, question number 604, it reads "In the last 12 months, was (NAME) given iron supplement...". In the phase 7 questionnaire, page W-42, question number 606, it reads 'In the last seven days, was (NAME) given iron pills, sprinkles with iron, or iron syrup like [this/any of these]?

What was the rationale of ICF/DHS to change the recall period from 7 days to 12 months?

Thank you in advance for your response to this issue.
Re: Phase-8 core questionnaire - iron supplementation question [message #22012 is a reply to message #22011] Tue, 19 January 2021 15:13 Go to previous message
Bridgette-DHS is currently offline  Bridgette-DHS
Messages: 3017
Registered: February 2013
Senior Member
Following is an answer by Senior Nutrition Analysis & Research Manager, Sorrel Namaste:

The reference period for iron supplementation in children has changed from 'Children given iron supplements in past 7 days,' in DHS-7 to 'Children given iron supplements in last 12 months' in DHS-8 to better align with global guidelines on iron regimens. Depending on the prevalence of anemia, age of the child, and the type of supplementation, the recommended schedule and duration of iron supplementation varies. A reference period of 12 months encompasses both a daily and intermittent schedule for administering iron and different durations for administering iron within a one year period. For more information on the specific iron regimens recommended by WHO, please refer to the WHO e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions (eLENA) which can be found here.

Note that in DHS-8, iron tablets/syrups and iron-containing micronutrient powders are asked about separately in countries that provide both of these interventions. The indicators are then presented as the 'percentage of children age 6-59 months who were given iron tablets or syrup in the last 12 months,' the 'percentage of children age 6-59 months who were given iron-containing micronutrient powders in the last 12 months,' and 'percentage of children age 6-59 months given iron-containing supplements in the last 12 months' for which iron-containing is defined as tablets, syrup, or micronutrient powders.
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