Journal Articles

Trends in demographic and health survey publications based on a bibliometric analysis

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Trends in demographic and health survey publications based on a bibliometric analysis Omondi, Evans; Kariuki, Symon M.; Ouedraogo, Soumaila; Odhiambo, Rachel; Osuka, Daniel; Wekesa, Eliud; Kitsao-Wekulo, Patricia; Kiragga, Agnes; Kyobutungi, Catherine Background: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program, launched in 1984, provides high-quality population health data that underpins a vast body of global health research. However, the scale and growth patterns of DHS-based publications remain underexplored, particularly as donor funding uncertainties threaten program sustainability. Objective: We examine temporal trends in DHS-based research output from 1984 to 2025, quantifying growth patterns and publication delays to inform understanding of the program’s global research expansion. Methods: A systematic bibliometric review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, Wiley, and CINAHL. Eligible peerreviewed articles using DHS data between 1984 and 2025 were identified. Annual publication counts were analyzed, segmented regression identified growth inflection points, and timeliness was assessed by calculating lag between survey completion and publication. Results: Over 10,000 DHS-based publications were identified. Annual output rose from isolated studies in the 1980s to several hundred annually by the 2010s. Segmentation analysis revealed two rapid growth phases: a 56-publications/year increase from 2004–2012, and a 71- publications/year increase from 2012 to 2024. Despite this growth, median lag from survey completion to publication remained approximately 5 years, with only a modest recent improvement (Kendall’s τ = −0.623, p < 0.001). Conclusion: DHS data have fueled exponential growth in global health research over four decades, confirming their vital role in evidence generation. However, persistent publication delays highlight the need to shorten the pathway from data collection to dissemination through strengthened research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Sustained funding is essential to maintain this critical evidence source. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2026.2680363

Model checks for Bayesian estimation and forecasting of health coverage indicators in low- and middle-income countries

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Model checks for Bayesian estimation and forecasting of health coverage indicators in low- and middle-income countries Alkema, Leontine; Mooney, Shauna; Kagoye, Sophia; Ferreira, Leonardo Z.; Mady, Roland; Wilson, Emily; Bietsch, Kristin; Adero, Godfrey; Kaberia, Peter M.; Kananura, Rornald M.; Mutua, Martin K.; Njeri, Anne; Wekesa, Eliud Statistical models are needed to produce estimates and forecasts of health coverage indicators in low- and middle-income countries, where data are often sparse and of uneven quality. We consider a class of Bayesian transition models for this purpose and propose a practical set of model checks that can be used by analysts who are not specialists in Bayesian (transition) models. These checks include residual analyses and assessments of model parameters in restricted and full models, based on in-sample and out-of-sample model fits. We apply the approach for estimation of two different health coverage indicators: the proportion of women who received recommended antenatal care during pregnancy and the proportion of children who receive recommended vaccinations. The checks indicate the model performs well for antenatal care, and they highlight limitations and opportunities for improvement when modelling immunization coverage. Overall, we show how systematic model checking can clarify and communicate the strengths and limitations of models used to estimate and forecast global health coverage indicators: the proportion of women who received recommended antenatal care during pregnancy and the proportion of children who receive recommended vaccinations. The checks indicate the model performs well for antenatal care, and they highlight limitations and opportunities for improvement when modelling immunization coverage. Overall, we show how systematic model checking can clarify and communicate the strengths and limitations of models used to estimate and forecast global health coverage indicators. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2024.0609

Citation and policy influence of research using demographic and health survey data: a bibliometric analysis

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Citation and policy influence of research using demographic and health survey data: a bibliometric analysis Omondi, Evans; Wekesa, Eliud; Kariuki, Symon M; Odhiambo, Rachel; Osuka, Daniel; Ouedraogo, Soumaila; Kitsao-Wekulo, Patricia; Kiragga, Agnes; Kyobutungi, Catherine Background: While citation counts are critical metrics for scholarly impact of research articles, they cannot objectively measure other impacts of research to society. Research articles have broader impact beyond academic, including informing health-policy making, planning and practice, but this utility has not been systematically examined for the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS)-based publications. This paper examines both the academic and policy-related impacts of DHS-based articles. Methods: A Systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Wiley Online Library, and Dimensions and grey literature (theses and dissertations) to identify DHS-based publications since 1984. Academic impact was assessed through journal destinations, scope, accessibility, and citation counts. To assess policy impact, this study utilizes the Overton database to identify citations of scientific research in policy documents. Results: Citation to DHS-based publications have increased over the last four decades, contributing significantly to the public health evidence that has been utilized for academic and policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Multidisciplinary and open-access journals such as PLOS One have predominantly published DHScitation related research, often led by researchers from High-income countries (HICs). While open-access has improved accessibility for LMIC-led research, citation impact is skewed towards HIC-led studies, suggesting inequities in the citation impact landscape. The steady increase in both scholarly and policy citations indicates that DHS-based research is an important resource for academic and global health policymaking. Conclusion: DHS-based evidence plays a critical role in both academic and policy spheres. Its consistent citation growth demonstrates the scientific value of open, standardized, nationally representative data, and its citation growth in policy documents underscores the need for continued investment in the program to support evidence-based decision-making in LMICs. DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-026-01487-0

Evaluation of cabbage aphid preference for Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata): implications for trap cropping in kale systems

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of cabbage aphid preference for Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata): implications for trap cropping in kale systems Mutua, Bretor K.; Adan, Isack H.; Karanja, Edward N.; Dubois, Thomas; Mutyambai, Daniel M. Trap cropping has proven to be a promising, widely documented, and sustainable eco-friendly strategy within integrated pest management systems for managing insect pests. Numerous studies have successfully demonstrated its effectiveness across diverse agricultural systems, with new ones, continually being developed. The current study sought to evaluate the potential of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) as a trap crop for managing cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) through laboratory choice tests and field experiments. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission was also compared between kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and Ethiopian mustard using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Laboratory choice tests showed that B. brassicae significantly preferred Ethiopian mustard (56.5%) to kale leaf discs (24.5%). Headspace GC-MS analysis revealed that kale emitted VOCs in higher concentrations. Among the 19 compounds detected in the two plants, only p-xylene, limonene, and α-pinene showed significant differences. Further, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis revealed a significant difference between the overall VOCs emitted by the two plants (P < 0.05). Subsequently, field trials were conducted for two cropping seasons by separately intercropping kale with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) while bordering the two plots with Ethiopian mustard. In both seasons, the highest population of B. brassicae was observed on Ethiopian mustard bordering the C. sativum intercrop (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that Ethiopian mustard has the potential to be used as a trap crop in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to protect kale against B. brassicae attack. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-026-10246-5