Document is current

Article History

Received: 1 July 2024

Accepted: 16 July 2025

First Online: 19 November 2025

Declarations

:

: Procedures and questionnaires for standard DHS surveys have been reviewed and approved by ICF Institutional Review Board (IRB). Additionally, country-specific DHS survey protocols are reviewed by the ICF IRB and typically by an IRB in the host country. ICF IRB ensures that the survey complies with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations for the protection of human subjects (45 CFR 46), while the host country IRB ensures that the survey complies with laws and norms of the nation. Before each interview or biomarker test is conducted, an informed consent statement is read to the respondent, who may accept or decline to participate. A parent or guardian must provide consent prior to participation by a child or adolescent. DHS informed consent statements provide details regarding:• The purpose of the interview/test• The expected duration of the interview• Interview/test procedures• Potential risks to the respondent• Potential benefits to the respondentContact information for a person who can provide the respondent with more information about the interview/test. Most importantly, the informed consent statement emphasizes that participation is voluntary; that the respondent may refuse to answer any question, decline any biomarker test, or terminate participation at any time; and that the respondent's identity and information will be kept strictly confidential. 3

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.