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How To Use STATcompiler

The DHS STATcompiler is an innovative online database tool that allows users to select numerous countries and hundreds of indicators to create customized tables that serve their specific data needs. STATcompiler accesses nearly all of the population and health indicators that are published in DHS final reports with just the click of the mouse.          STATcompiler

How do I build my table?

Step 1:

  • Search for the country you want by clicking on Select Surveys.
  • Search for specific indicators you want by clicking on Select Indicators.

Step 2:

  • Continue selecting topics until you come to a list of variables with checkboxes.
  • Select at least one variable from each grouping. Groupings are separated by the word "by." Key indicators are preselected for your convenience.
  • Click on Select.

The Select button moves your variable selection to the Selected Indicators column.

Step 3:

  • Repeat step 2 for all desired surveys and indicators. Remember you must select at least one survey and one indicator to build a table. You must select surveys before selecting indicators in order to have the regions option display. Note: The maximum countries selected is about 25 when the region data option is also selected.

Step 4:

  • Once you have finished selecting and saving your desired items, click on Create Table at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5:

  • Wait while your custom table is being built. This may take up to one minute depending on the number of surveys and indicators selected.

Step 6:

  • To modify your custom table, click on Modify Table. To clear your table and begin a new table, click on Start Over.

Here are some examples of practical applications of the tool.

Example 1
You can use STATcompiler to obtain quick figures on one or more indicators in a specific region. For example, you can use STATcompiler to find out how many women with no education are using a modern method of family planning in West African countries where DHS has conducted surveys. You can select all the countries from the West African region and choose "Current use of contraception by background characteristics" from the list of Family Planning indicators. To compare those figures with the percentage of women using traditional methods of family planning, you can add that indicator to the table.

Example 2
You might also use STATcompiler to view the trend of a single indicator in a country over time. For example, you can examine trends in infant mortality for the three most recent Indonesia DHS surveys by first selecting Southeast Asia from Available Surveys box and then choosing the 1991, 1994, and 1997 Indonesia DHS surveys. Next choose "Early childhood mortality" from the list of indicators. Then select "Infant and child mortality by background characteristics" and mark the Infant mortality checkbox. Add the items to the table and click on Create Table. In a matter of seconds, the table will be ready to print, save, or export into another file format.


  • Tips for Exporting STATcompiler Tables to MS Excel