Additional
FAQs for the INDEPTH site
à What is a DSS?
A
demographic surveillance system (DSS) is a set of field and computing operations
to handle the longitudinal follow-up of well-defined entities or primary subjects
(individuals, households, and residential units) and all related demographic
and health outcomes within a clearly circumscribed geographic area. Unlike
a cohort study, a DSS follows up the entire population of such a geographic
area.
à What is a DSA?
The
demographic surveillance area (DSA) is an area with clearly and fairly permanent
delineated boundaries, preferably recognizable on the ground (for example,
rivers, roads, and clearly demarcated administrative boundaries). The clear
delineation of boundaries enables an unambiguous distinction to be made between
individuals, households, and residential units to include in the DSS and those
to exclude.
à
What is one of the key
characteristics of a DSS?
Longitudinal
measurement of demographic and health variables is one of the key characteristics
of a DSS. This is achieved through repeated visits at more or less regular
intervals to all residential units in the DSA to collect a prescribed set
of attribute data on registered subjects, who are consistently and uniquely
identified. This and recording events affecting these subjects during the
interval between visits allow one to construct their history and differentiate
DSS data from data collected in multi-round surveys and other prospective
studies that allow comparison over time only on an aggregated level.
à
What is the rationale
for having a DSS?
[Demisse Habte,
INDEPTH (2002; Foreword)]
“Traditional sources of health information collected from health
facilities often serve as the basis for health-services planning and allocation
of resources in many parts of the developing world. Yet, health-facility-based
data provide only fragmentary and biased information. Not all population groups
have geographic or economic access to health facilities. Those that do have
such access are usually self-selected and are often those who visit health-care
centres only when they suffer from a serious illness. A great majority of
poor people may have less access to health-care facilities than those who
are better off, and poor people often treat themselves
or use nontraditional health care. Women may suffer gender disparities
as well, with time and cultural constraints on the use of health-care facilities,
particularly in rural settings. Services for children are also severely constrained.
Thus, health-facility-based data are not representative of the health
problems of all rural and urban communities and do not therefore reflect their
health status.
This void of valid health information for a large segment of the
world’s population makes it difficult for policymakers to formulate rational
health policies to improve the health of these people. As the authors of this
book argue, “the need to establish a reliable information base to support
health development has never been greater” (INDEPTH Coordinating Committee,
this volume, p. 1). Ideally, reliable health information should be population
and community based, inclusive of all groups, and collected prospectively
and continuously. Such an ideal is best met through demographic and health
surveillance systems collecting demographic and health data on selected population
samples. Often, randomly selected cross-sectional household surveys every
few years complement these methods of research. ”
à
What are the functions
of a DSS?
These
field stations generate high-quality, population-based, longitudinal health
and demographic data.
Generally,
a DSS serves a number of functions:
-
It provides health information that more accurately reflects
the prevailing disease burden of populations;
-
It assists in monitoring and tracking new health threats,
such as emerging and reemerging infectious disease
and drug resistance, and alert the health community to prepare a response;
and
-
It can serve as a platform for action-oriented research to
test and evaluate health interventions, such as new vaccines or drugs, health-education
messages, and the cost-effectiveness of initiatives.
à
How do I set up a DSS?
The best thing to do is
to contact the INDEPTH Secretariat and introduce your research idea. The Secretariat
can then link you up with people who might be able to help you.
à
Who funds DSS activities?
Current DSS sites are
funded by various sponsors who we call development partners. You may wish
to read the profiles of DSS sites on this website to see who funds who and
for what.
