Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS) / Poverty in Nigeria has always been examined as a static phenomenon, although empirical studies established that, rather than being static, the poverty levels of individuals can change over time and people can enter and leave a transitory state of poverty. Many individuals live in poverty for a long period of time, the length of which is the defining characteristic of a state of chronic poverty. There has been little or no effort by researchers to distinguish households that are chronically poor from those that are transitorily poor. It is against this background that this study sought to investigate the extent of chronic and transitory poverty among households in Nigeria: specifically, what factors influence chronic and transitory poverty in Nigeria. / 2023

In June 2010, Canada’s Conservative majority government made a controversial announcement that the mandatory long form Census of Canada questionnaire would be replaced by the voluntary National Household Survey, as the former was deemed to be too invasive to Canadians’ privacy, threatening imprisonment for non-compliance. This practicum examines the anticipated implications of the Census change through an analysis of existing information – the repository of letters either supporting or contesting the elimination of the mandatory questionnaire. Planning processes are contingent upon understanding socio-economic conditions and demographic distribution. The long form Census is arguably an integral planning tool that provides an indication of community change. This research explores the role of information with respect to planning processes and the use of knowledge in enabling power within or over communities. Finally, this practicum provides suggestions for planners to mitigate changes to statistical information and adapt planning processes.

In June 2010, Canada’s Conservative majority government made a controversial announcement that the mandatory long form Census of Canada questionnaire would be replaced by the voluntary National Household Survey, as the former was deemed to be too invasive to Canadians’ privacy, threatening imprisonment for non-compliance. This practicum examines the anticipated implications of the Census change through an analysis of existing information – the repository of letters either supporting or contesting the elimination of the mandatory questionnaire. Planning processes are contingent upon understanding socio-economic conditions and demographic distribution. The long form Census is arguably an integral planning tool that provides an indication of community change. This research explores the role of information with respect to planning processes and the use of knowledge in enabling power within or over communities. Finally, this practicum provides suggestions for planners to mitigate changes to statistical information and adapt planning processes.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / In many countries, an enumeration of all household members remains the most important source of population statistics. According to Statistics South Africa, two population censuses and quite a few household surveys have taken place across the country. The quality of data recorded varies according to the operation. Despite great improvement in data collection and analysis capacities,some of the demographic data provided have not been assessed in terms of quality. The aim of this study was to ascertain the accuracy of demographic data on age and sex collected and the coverage during the population census 2001, General Household Surveys (2004 and 2007), Labour Force Surveys (2005 and 2007) and Community survey 2007 in South Africa. Two methods were applied to assess the quality of data. First, the direct method consists of checking the content and coverage (errors during enumeration, errors of exploitation, concordance in questionnaire). Second, the indirect method lies in the calculation of some indexes, age ratios,sex ratios, graphing of population pyramids and sex ratios curves. The indexes are Whipple’s index, Myer’s index and the Combined index of United Nations. Therefore, the main variables of interest are age, sex, place of residence and ethnic groups. Differentials in the quality according to declaration on age by gender, by ethnic group, by place of residence have been explored. This study has identified some variations in different indexes between 2001 and 2007 and has also evaluated the ethnic, gender and regional differentials. Comparison between indexes of each instrument has been done to measure some variations over years. Also, time-space comparisons were conducted across indexes of different instruments. The quality of data on age was better at national level compared to provincial level. Therefore, based on the measurements and patterns observed in the census and surveys data, the study has made some recommendations on the need for an integrated approach to reduce the gap and improve the quality of declarations on age and sex.

The objective of this study is to investigate the trends in relative contribution each selected factor makes to the chance of a child’s death over time in South Africa for children born 5 years preceding 1997 and 5 years preceding 2002. Attention was paid to the role played by socio-economic factors, biological and maternal factors, environmental factors, nutrient deficiency factors and health seeking behaviour factors. The study investigates whether the association of a specific factor to under-5 mortality persist over time. Data from the 1997 October Household Survey and the 2002 General Household Survey were used. Births that occurred in the five years preceding each survey were analysed in relation to the survival of the child and socio-economic factors, biological and maternal factors, environmental factors, nutrient deficiency factors and health seeking behaviour factors. Logistic regression was used to determine the relative contribution of each factor for the two periods under review. Under-5 mortality was significantly associated with eight factors during 1993-1997 period namely; mother’s education, mother’s place of residence, sex, birth order, birth interval, mother’s age at the time of delivery of the subject child, nutrient deficiency and place of delivery. However, during the 1998-2002 period only five factors were significantly associated with under-5 mortality. These were mother’s education, sex, birth interval, type of dwelling and place of delivery. This suggests changing patterns in factors associated with under-5 mortality between the two birth cohorts: 1993-1997 and the 1998-2002 birth cohorts. / Dissertation (MSocSci)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Sociology / unrestricted

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / The thesis examines the patterns of school attendance across the nine Provinces of South Africa. With reference to individuals of eligible age, school attendance is conceived of three statuses: effective attendance (those who are presently attending an educational institution), definitive non-attendance (those with no intentions of going back to school), and temporary non-attendance (possibility of going back to the educational system within a specified time frame). The focus of the study is on the primary and secondary levels of schooling. A household based approach is pursued to profile the extent to which young people aged 20 years and below either who attend/do not attend schooling institutions in each of the nine Provinces. Differentials in school attendance are examined along the lines of some socio-demographic and spatial variables drawn from the 2004 general household survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. The core hypothesis is that school attendance is subjected to the influence of both individual attributes and household characteristics. The study also attempts to profile the causes of non-attendance (definitive and temporary) through a set of instrumental variables. To complement this subjective profiling,appropriate statistical methods are used to assess the significance of contributing factors to non-school attendance at the household level.

The Expanded Program on Immunization Sampling Method (known simply as EPI sampling) is a two-stage sampling procedure originally intended for quick estimation of disease prevalence in large geographical regions. The method was developed in the 1970s and all the subsequent assessments of its performance have been conducted by simulation. In her master's thesis, Reyes (2016) studied in detail the second-stage sampling of the method by developing formulas for the exact calculation of the household inclusion probabilities when sectors are used to identify the initial household to generate the EPI samples. The inclusion probabilities were used in turn to obtain exact mean, bias, variance and mean square error of any estimator of disease prevalence in the population. Thus, no extensive simulations are required and the results are exact rather than just estimates. This thesis is an extension of Reyes' (2016) work. The extension is two-fold; (a) employing strips rather than sectors because they narrow the geographic area for field workers and to use strips to select the first household for the EPI sample at the secondary stage, and (b) carrying out an analysis on simulated population and sampling plans, using both stages of the EPI method. Analyzing the simulated populations showed that equal weight estimator that samples primary units with replacement with probability proportional to size (EW1) should be used when the target characteristic is thought to be spread randomly throughout the population, and the Horvitz-Thompson estimator that samples primary units systematically with replacement (HTSYS) should be used when the disease is believed to spread from a central location or through pocketing. Comparing the strip and sector sampling methods at the secondary stage using their effective areas leads to a comparative basis in which the inclusion probabilities are identical for both methods. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Introdução. Atualmente, inquéritos de saúde de base populacional utilizam diferentes estratégias para a obtenção de dados, como as entrevistas domiciliares e telefônicas, com a finalidade de monitorar fatores de risco e avaliar o acesso e utilização dos serviços de saúde, sendo essenciais no planejamento de políticas públicas em saúde. Objetivo. Estudar a aplicação de algumas ferramentas estatísticas utilizadas para a comparação de estimativas obtidas por diferentes inquéritos, construção de ajustes de pósestratificação e aplicação de técnicas de estimação em pequenas áreas, utilizando dados de inquéritos de saúde de base populacional realizados em áreas do Estado de São Paulo. Metodologia. Utilizando o módulo survey do pacote estatístico Stata nas versões 10.0 e 11.0 foram feitos três trabalhos. O primeiro (artigo 1) comparou estimativas segundo tipo de inquérito (domiciliar ISA-Capital 2008 e telefônico VIGITEL-SP 2008) por meio de regressão de Poisson ajustada por idade e escolaridade. O segundo (artigo 2) comparou ajustes de pós-estratificação utilizando distintos conjuntos de variáveis e três diferentes estratégias (ponderação por célula, técnica rake e uma terceira técnica combinada entre o ajuste por célula e a técnica rake). O terceiro (artigo 3) utilizou cinco técnicas (diretas e indiretas) de estimação em pequenas áreas para a obtenção de prevalências de características de saúde para uma área menor do Município de São Paulo (Distrito de Saúde do Butantã). Resultados. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as estimativas obtidas pelo VIGITEL e ISA-Capital para as prevalências de realização de mamografia no último ano. No entanto, para as estimativas globais de realização do exame de Papanicolaou alguma vez na vida, no último ano e de mamografia na vida, foi possível verificar diferenças, com prevalências de cobertura superiores entre as entrevistadas pelo inquérito telefônico (artigo 1). Aplicando a técnica de pós-estratificação rake, foram observadas as maiores reduções de vício, principalmente quando consideradas as variáveis sociodemográficas, associadas a cada uma das características de saúde analisadas (artigo 2). As estimativas de pequenas áreas de diferentes características de saúde obtidas por meio da calibração e via modelagem, considerando os fatores associados a cada uma delas, foram as que tiveram maior semelhança com as prevalências consideradas como sendo os verdadeiros valores populacionais (artigo 3). Conclusões. Os resultados das comparações entre os inquéritos sinalizam a tendência de superestimação de alguns indicadores de cobertura de mamografia e de Papanicolaou nos dados de pesquisa via telefone, apontando para a necessidade de novos estudos que também contribuam para o melhor entendimento dos vícios e possíveis correções com novos ajustes de pós-estratificação (artigo 1). Apesar dos ajustes de pós-estratificação não corrigirem totalmente as estimativas, as diferenças encontradas não devem ser consideradas um impedimento para a realização dos inquéritos via telefone fixo, uma vez que eles contribuem para o direcionamento de ações e novas políticas de saúde no Brasil (artigo 2). A utilização de técnicas de estimação em pequenas áreas permite o uso de determinada pesquisa, que a princípio não tenha sido desenhada para tal objetivo, identificando necessidades de determinadas regiões, contribuindo para a implantação de ações preventivas e intervenções em saúde pública em nível local (artigo 3) / Introduction. Nowadays population-based health surveys employ different strategies in order to obtain data, such as household and telephone interviews with the purpose of monitoring risk factors and evaluate the access and utilization of health services, being essential in planning public health policies. Objective. Study the implementation of some statistical tools used for comparison of estimates obtained by different surveys, creation of post-stratification adjustments and small-area estimation techniques, using data from different population-based health surveys conducted in areas of the state of São Paulo. Methodology. Using the svy commands of Stata (10.0 and 11.0), three studies were carried out. The first (paper 1) compared estimates according to the type of the survey (household survey ISACapital 2008 and telephone survey VIGITEL-SP 2008) using Poisson regression analysis adjusted by age and education. The second (paper 2) compared post-stratification adjustments utilizing different sets of variables and three different strategies (cell weighting technique, rake technique and a third \"combined\" between the rake and cell weighting). The third (paper 3) used five (direct and indirect) small-area estimation techniques for the calculation of prevalence of health characteristics for a smaller area of São Paulo (Butantã Health District). Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the estimates obtained by VIGITEL and ISACapital for the prevalence of mammography in the year prior to the interview. However, estimates for the global results of the Pap smear at least once in life and in the past year as well as, mammography in life, we observed differences, with higher prevalence rates among respondents by telephone (paper 1). Applying the rake post-stratification technique, the largest reductions were observed in bias, especially when taking into account sociodemographic variables associated with each health characteristic analyzed (paper 2). The estimates for small areas obtained by calibration and regression, considering the factors associated with each health characteristic, were the ones most similar to the prevalence considered to be the true population values (paper 3). Conclusions. The results of the comparisons between the two surveys indicate the trend of overestimation in some indicators of prevalence of mammography and Pap smear via telephone survey, indicating a concern for further studies that also contribute to a better understanding of the bias and possible corrections with new post-stratification adjustments (paper 1). Despite the post-stratification adjustments do not completely correct the estimates, it should not be considered an impediment, since the telephone surveys contribute to the direct actions and new health policies in Brazil. (paper 2). The use of smallarea estimation techniques allows extrapolating the utilization of a research that had not been designed for such a purpose, identifying the needs of a particular region, contributing to the implementation of preventive interventions in public health at the local level. (paper 3)

<p>The issue of women&rsquo / s access to land is a developmental issue. From a fundamental research view point, this study aims to explore the circumstances in which women access land in South Africa. The study examines the inequalities that may arise in the context of land access, land acquisition / land use, activities taking place on land and closely related issues focusing specifically on women in general, and women headed households in particular. The study is based on demographic characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, occupational groups, education, province of residence and ethnic groups. Bringing together the demographic variables and land related variables, the study captures the structural changes between 2004 and 2007. Using 2004 and 2007 GHS secondary data requested from Statistics South Africa, cross tabulation and bivariate statistical analysis by means of SPSS software was performed. The results obtained indicate that the inequality against women&rsquo / s access to land still persists. Some women have access to land for agricultural purpose but few own it. The findings suggest that a number of factors including age, place of residence, marital status, ethnic group, literacy, educational level, of women are associated with the ability of women to access and acquire land. The sustainable livelihood framework is a theory that guided this study. Diversification is commonly used to prevent time of risks and shocks. In general, the study shows that the proportion of women who had access to land was 16% in 2004. This figure dropped to 14% in 2007.</p>

Water quality and availability are important issues in many developing countries where portions of populations still lack access to potable water. Throughout the English-speaking Caribbean and parts of Latin America, households and businesses invest in water supply systems even when they are connected to and pay for water services from a private or state owned provider. Inconsistent supplies of water from the water companies have led many people to invest in storage tanks which, if operated correctly, can provide water throughout the day even when the supply from the main is low or zero. While these individual systems help to guarantee a more constant supply of water, they may impact water quality when it does reach the household tap. The tanks could become breeding grounds for vectors of human disease and may also affect the concentrations of bacteria, heavy metals and organics in the water. The goal of this research was to understand how households use water storage tanks and determine the effect of these tanks and the individual practices on water quality. Target plots were used to visualize linkages between water quality parameters and household surveys of localized water practices and perception on water quality. The study focused on three field sites: Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago, Region 4 Subset in Guyana, and Villa Litoral, Bolivia. Convenience sampling was used to administer surveys to households in the rural areas of Siparia (39), Region 4 Subset (40), and Villa Litoral (57). The Region 4 Subset is comprised of two rural areas, Mon Repos and Mocha, and Georgetown, the country's capital. Black, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks and water storage drums are predominantly used in the field sites within Siparia and Region 4 Subset, while cement tanks, drums, and jerry cans are used in Villa Litoral. The average age of household water storage devices was 4-10 years in Siparia and Region 4 Subset, and 0- 3 years in Villa Litoral. These devices were found on various elevations to accommodate piped connection, indoor pumping, and rainwater catchment. Cleaning frequency of tanks in Siparia was every few months, while in Region 4 Subset it varied from weekly to every few months. In Villa Litoral 26.3% of the population surveyed cleaned weekly and 38.6% cleaned annually. Disinfection of water sources was practiced by 30% of residents in Siparia and 60% of residents in the Region 4 Subset. While disinfection was practiced, issues with frequency and correct dosage led to inadequate disinfection. Eighty-four percent of households in Siparia and 50% of households in Region 4 Subset disinfected on a monthly or quarterly basis. Of the households that did disinfect, the bleach and/or disinfectant used was allowed to mix for at least 30 minutes in 50% of households in Siparia and 91.6% of households in the Region 4 Subset. Disinfection was not practiced by the majority of households in Villa Litoral. With regards to health, 15% of households in Region 4 Subset and 40.4% in Villa Litoral reported recent waterborne illnesses among house members. Water samples were taken from households in Siparia (24), Region 4 Subset (40), and Villa Litoral (26). The majority of households in all three communities relied on piped water from their respective main pump. Those who were not connected to piped water relied on rain water. In the Region 4 Subset, 18% of samples tested positive for fecal coliform and 45% for total coliform. In Villa Litoral, 85% of samples tested positive for fecal coliform and 100% for total coliform. The majority of samples from all three communities exceeded the WHO guideline values for lead (0.01 mg/L) and iron (0.3 mg/L). This was most likely due to the material used in the household plumbing and distribution pipe infrastructure as these could leach. Five indicators (chemical and biological water quality, reach of risk, storage device, female involvement, and household belief) were conveniently projected on target plots to link the results from water quality assessments with reported household practices and beliefs. The greatest risk factors seen were poor water quality and household beliefs like the security of water storage containers and safety of stored water, perceived water description and pressure, and access to water safety media.