Lesaca Esquiroz, Javier (2017). Baseline Salud Mesoamerica El Salvador: Household Survey 2015. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/vi595jcp

1. Spanish

What is this dataset about?

The Mesoamerica Health Initiative Household Survey in El Salvador compiles information on health service utilization, maternal and child health outcomes, and public health coverage.
It captures both demand-side (household) and supply-side (facility-level) indicators, providing a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape across El Salvador.

What does the survey measure?

Key dimensions covered in this dataset include:

• Maternal health care — antenatal visits, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal checkups.
• Child health services — vaccination coverage, breastfeeding practices, and treatment of common childhood illnesses.
• Reproductive health — contraceptive use, family planning knowledge, and adolescent health awareness.
• Health access and equity — distance to facilities, service availability, and socioeconomic disparities in utilization.

Why is this Healthcare data Important for El Salvador?

This dataset provides high-quality healthcare data for El Salvador to inform national and regional health policies.
It helps decision-makers:

• Track progress toward universal access to maternal and child health services.
• Identify coverage gaps between rural and urban populations.
• Support evidence-based interventions under the Mesoamerica Health Initiative framework.
• Benchmark national performance against other countries in the region.

How was the data collected?

The survey employed a multi-stage stratified sampling design to ensure national representativeness, covering households across all departments of El Salvador.
Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with women of reproductive age and caregivers of young children to ensure accurate reporting of health service experiences.

What are the main findings?

Preliminary results indicate significant progress in institutional deliveries and child immunization, although disparities remain in rural health access and postnatal care coverage.
These findings underscore the need for continued investment in primary health care and community-based service delivery.

Use Cases: How Can This Dataset Support Public Health?

The El Salvador healthcare data can be used by: * Researchers evaluating long-term maternal and child health trends. * Policymakers monitoring service delivery and resource allocation. * Agencies designing targeted health programs to reduce inequities. * Stakeholders conducting impact assessments of Mesoamerica Health Initiative efforts.

What are the limitations of the dataset?

Users should note:

• The data reflect baseline conditions and may not capture recent policy changes.
• Some responses are self-reported, which could introduce recall bias.
• The dataset focuses primarily on maternal and child health, not broader population health outcomes.

FAQ EL Salvador Healthcare data -Salud Mesoamerica Household Survey 2015

Who developed the dataset?

The Baseline Health Mesoamerica El Salvador Household Survey was developed through collaboration between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Government of El Salvador, and the Mesoamerica Health Initiative partners.
It supports the region’s shared goal of improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

What specific data is collected on maternal and child health in El Salvador?

The survey captures indicators such as: - Antenatal care visits (ANC) - Skilled birth attendance (SBA) - Place of delivery - Postpartum care - Breastfeeding practices - Child growth monitoring - Reported morbidity for children under five
These tracks service coverage and care-seeking behaviors at the household level.

How do El Salvador's vaccination coverage data trends compare with global averages?

The dataset provides household-level vaccination coverage for: - DPT - Polio - Measles/MMR
Coverage rates can be computed and benchmarked against global or regional averages using external sources.

What health indicators does El Salvador track and report?

Commonly included indicators are: - Immunization status - Maternal care coverage (ANC, SBA) - Child illness and care-seeking (diarrhea, ARI) - Contraceptive use - Barriers to accessing services (distance, cost, availability)

What kind of health statistics does El Salvador publish annually?

From this survey, you can compute: - Proportion of children fully vaccinated - ANC 4+ visits - Facility-based deliveries
These can be summarized annually if the dataset aligns with a reference year.

As a public health researcher, where can I find reliable demographic health data for El Salvador?

This survey provides: - Household demographics (age, sex, household composition) - Health coverage indicators
It complements other sources, such as DHS or national health surveys.

What data is available regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in El Salvador?

The survey may include: - Self-reported diagnoses (hypertension, diabetes) - Care-seeking patterns
Expect limited coverage compared to maternal/child health, with prevalence estimates based on self-report.

For a non-profit organization, what publicly accessible health care datasets are available for community health programs in El Salvador?

This survey is publicly accessible and helpful for: - Immunization outreach - Maternal care uptake - Identifying access barriers
It supports program baselines and community health strategies.

What data exists on mental health services and prevalence in El Salvador?

Some household surveys include: - Self-reported mental health symptoms - Care-seeking behavior
Coverage is sparse; use for indicative prevalence, not clinical diagnosis.

What data is available on healthcare workforce statistics in El Salvador?

Direct workforce counts are omitted, but households report: - Public clinic/hospital use - Private providers - NGO services - Traditional providers
This indicates perceived availability and utilization patterns.

How can I compute coverage rates from the dataset?

Use: - Age-eligibility - Vaccination card/recall data
Compute child immunization coverage, ANC 4+ visits, SBA, and facility-based delivery. Benchmark against regional/global averages.