This survey is the latest in the periodic Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) series, which started in Nigeria at the national level in 1990. It is a national sample survey designed to provide up-to-date information on background characteristics of the respondents; fertility levels; nuptiality; sexual activity; fertility preferences; awareness and the use of family planning methods; breastfeeding practices; nutritional status of mothers and young children; early childhood mortality and maternal mortality; maternal and child health; and awareness and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. The target groups were women aged 15-49 years and men aged 15-59 years in randomly selected households across Nigeria. Information about children aged 0-5 years was also collected, including weight and height.
While the survey is expanded in scope and sample size, the 2008 NDHS is a follow up to the 1990, 1999 and 2003 NDHS surveys and provides updated estimates of basic demographic and health indicators covered in the earlier surveys. The 2008 NDHS is the first DHS to include the collection of information on violence against women. In addition to presenting national estimates, the report provides estimates of key indicators for rural and urban areas in Nigeria, the six geo-political zones, and for the first time, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
