The 2016 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey (TLDHS) was implemented by the General Directorate of Statistics (GDS) of the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH). Data collection took place from 16 September to 22 December, 2016. The primary objective of the 2016 TLDHS project is to provide up-to-date estimates of basic demographic and health indicators. The TLDHS provides a comprehensive overview of population, maternal, and child health issues in Timor-Leste. More specifically, the 2016 TLDHS: • Collected data at the national level, which allows the calculation of key demographic indicators, particularly fertility, and child, adult, and maternal mortality rates • Provided data to explore the direct and indirect factors that determine the levels and trends of fertility and child mortality • Measured the levels of contraceptive knowledge and practice • Obtained data on key aspects of maternal and child health, including immunization coverage, prevalence and treatment of diarrhea and other diseases among children under age 5, and maternity care, including antenatal visits and assistance at delivery • Obtained data on child feeding practices, including breastfeeding, and collected anthropometric measures to assess nutritional status in children, women, and men • Tested for anemia in children, women, and men • Collected data on the knowledge and attitudes of women and men about sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, potential exposure to the risk of HIV infection (risk behaviors and condom use), and coverage of HIV testing and counseling • Measured key education indicators, including school attendance ratios, level of educational attainment, and literacy levels • Collected information on the extent of disability • Collected information on non-communicable diseases • Collected information on early childhood development • Collected information on domestic violence • The information collected through the 2016 TLDHS is intended to assist policy makers and program managers in evaluating and designing programs and strategies for improving the health of the country’s population.
