HWMHEMOLEVELALT (HB56) is a 3-digit numeric variable with 1 implied decimal place that represents the adjusted hemoglobin level in grams per deciliter of male household members, except for the following codes:
994 = Information not collected (CS)
997 = Inconsistent
998 = Missing
999 = NIU (not in universe)
Description
For adult male household members, HWMHEMOLEVELALT (HB56) reports the level of hemoglobin in the blood, in terms of grams per deciliter (g/dl), based on testing of blood drawn by DHS personnel, and adjusted for altitude. Hemoglobin levels are tested to determine the presence and severity of anemia. HWMHEMOLEVELALT is a 3-digit variable with 1 implied decimal place.
The USAID publication Adjusting Hemoglobin Values in Program Surveys explains, "At elevations above 1000 m. hemoglobin concentrations increase as an adaptive response to the lower partial pressure of oxygen and reduced oxygen saturation of blood." The report further provides an equation for adjusting hemoglobin values in altitudes at 500-meter intervals, and explains that adjustment is important because "WHO hemoglobin cutoffs for anemia refer to sea-level values."
For a summary statement of the male household member's anemia status, based on grouped hemoglobin level results, see HWMANEMIALVL (HB57).
