About this session

Saturday, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Free Harmonized Data for Measuring International Child Development with IPUMS Global Health and Census Datasets

The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and UNICEF's Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) are some of the most widely used survey datasets on child development around the world. To support such research, IPUMS has developed the world’s largest repository of free, harmonized global health survey data. Harmonized microdata makes it easier to conduct comparisons between countries, look at trends across time, and create population-representative indicators. IPUMS team members will highlight high quality, free population-level data from four globally data collections--IPUMS International, IPUMS DHS, IPUMS MICS, and IPUMS PMA--that can be used to study a broad range of topics in child health, development, and wellbeing around the world.

In this professional development session, you will:
• Learn how to access this free resource for researchers and policymakers;
• Navigate the IPUMS website to discover variables and topics related to child development;
• See examples of research with international IPUMS data on Sustainable Development Goals, infants and children, adolescents, and families;
• Have the opportunity to ask questions and get help from expert data analysts on your research interests
IPUMS data users consult sample- and variable-specific documentation online and download customized data files in their preferred statistical package. Free, customized data files with variables that are fully harmonized and thoroughly documented can streamline data discovery, reduce inadvertent errors, and simplify comparative research. The overview of the data and tools available in the IPUMS Global Health data collections will help participants think about how to leverage these free resources for their own research.