The 2003 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is a nationally representative survey of 13,945 women age 15-49 and 5,009 men age 15-54. The main purpose of the 2003 NDHS is to provide policymakers and program managers with detailed information on fertility, family planning, childhood and adult mortality, maternal and child health, and knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. The 2003 NDHS also collects high quality data on family health: immunizations, prevalence and treatment of diarrhea and other diseases among children under five, antenatal visits, assistance at delivery and breastfeeding. The 2003 NDHS is the third national sample survey undertaken in Philippines under the auspices of the worldwide Demographic and Health Surveys program. The 2003 Philippines National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is designed to provide upto-date information on population, family planning, and health to assist policymakers and program managers in evaluating and designing strategies for improving health and family planning services in the country. In particular, the 2003 NDHS has the following objectives: Collect data at the national level, which will allow the calculation of demographic rates and, particularly, fertility and under-five mortality rates. Analyze the direct and indirect factors that determine the level and trends of fertility. Indicators related to fertility will serve to inform plans for social and economic development. Measure the level of contraceptive knowledge and practice by method, urban-rural residence, and region. Collect data on knowledge and attitudes of women and men about sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS and evaluate patterns of recent behavior regarding condom use. Collect high-quality data on family health, including immunizations, prevalence and treatment of diarrhea and other diseases among children under five, antenatal visits, assistance at delivery, and breastfeeding.
