The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) is part of the worldwide Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) programme, which is designed to collect data on fertility, family planning, and maternal and child health. The general objectives of the 1996 TDHS are to: Provide national-level data that will allow the calculation of demographic rates, particularly fertility and childhood mortality rates Analyze the direct and indirect factors which determine the level and trends of fertility Measure the level of contraceptive knowledge and practice (of both women and men) by method, by urban-rural residence, and by region Collect reliable data on maternal and child health indicators; immunization, prevalence, and treatment of diarrhea and other diseases among children under age five; antenatal visits; assistance at delivery; and breastfeeding Assess the nutritional status of children under age five and their mothers by means of anthropometric measurements (weight and height), and child feeding practices Assess among women and men the prevailing level of specific knowledge and attitudes regarding AIDS and evaluate patterns of recent behavior regarding condom use Measure maternal mortality and collect data on female circumcision.
