Niger Demographic and Health Survey 1998

Niger s Demographic and Health Survey of 1998 (EDSN-II) is a national survey-based study conducted by CARE International with assistance from Macro International Inc. The goal was to provide detailed data on fertility family planning maternal and infant health female genital mutilation (FGM) the nutritional status of children and mothers and infant and child mortality as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including AIDS. During the course of the study conducted in the field in Niger from March to June 1998 5928 households 7577 women aged 15-49 years and 3589 men aged 15-59 were successfully interviewed. The collected data have significance at the national level and in each of the 6 areas of study covered in the survey framework. women in Niger have the highest fertility in the world. At current fertility levels each woman will bear 7.5 children by the end of her reproductive life. Variations in fertility levels exist according to context and region of residence with total rural and urban fertility being 7.9 and 5.9 children respectively. Women in Niger begin childbearing early in their reproductive lives. EDSN-II results are presented on the characteristics of the country and the organization of the study households and respondents characteristics fertility family planning nuptiality and exposure to the risk of pregnancy fertility preferences child mortality the health of women and children feeding practices and the nutritional status of mothers and children STDs and AIDS FGM and the availability of community services. The report includes a list of references annexes tables and graphs.