MICS data processing

Files updated as of October 21, 2000  

The independent evaluation of the mid-decade MICS highlighted a number of strengths and weaknesses. The problems of processing the survey data at mid-decade were highlighted as a critical weakness, which resulted in delayed reporting of survey results so that data from only about half of the surveys were available for use in the UN Secretary General's report of 1996.

This data processing issue is a major concern for the end-decade MICS. While a data processing program was developed for the mid-decade MICS, it was not sufficiently flexible to meet the needs. The approach being used for the end-decade MICS data processing is multi-faceted: maintain as much consistency across countries in the questionnaire modules as possible; utilize computer programs which are familiar to countries; develop the processing procedures and programs recognizing the need to make modifications to fit particular country needs; provide technical support for the application of data processing programs and processes at country level.

A review of the alternatives for supporting the MICS end-decade data processing resulted in the choice of DHS/Macro International as the best means of developing a generic MICS data processing system. This system is now available for use by countries that consider they need additional data processing support. Those countries that wish to use their own data processing systems should do so.

The resulting generic data processing system for MICS allows a country to choose from three well-known programs for data entry and editing tasks: EpiInfo; IMPS and ISSA. SPSS program code is provided for producing tabulations from the resulting "cleaned" survey data file.

Regional workshops are being utilized to provide training to country data processing staff in the use and adaptation of the MICS data processing system to their specific survey needs. Data from survey questionnaires which closely follow the MICS model questionnaires will require the smallest degree of modification of the data processing system - the greater the difference from the model questionnaire, the greater the degree of modification required.

The current availability of documentation and programs for the MICS data processing system is as follows.

OTHER DOCUMENTS

• Additional documents, including a codebook, are available

• Data processing workshop presentations in PowerPoint format

Last updated on October 21, 2000