UNICEF supported survey completed in Trinidad and Tobago
91.8 per cent household response rate for MIC Survey
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 13 January 2023 - More than 8 900 households participated in a UNICEF-supported survey intended to improve the lives of children and women in the twin-island republic.
The exercise, which was conducted by the Central Statistical Office (CSO), concluded in December last year following four and a half months of intense data collection.
CSO officials reached 8,962 families, representing an overall household response rate of 91.8 per cent, collecting real-time data with Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing technology.
MICS is a household survey implemented by many countries under a UNICEF supported program to provide internationally comparable, statistically rigorous data about women and children. It is the largest source of household survey data of its kind covering a wide range of topics on women and children including: demographic characteristics, literacy and education; clean water access, sanitation and hygiene; water quality; energy use; reproductive health; child mortality; nutrition; child health; child development; child protection; child functioning; victimization; social transfers; subjective well-being; mass media and information and communication technology (ICT); tobacco and alcohol use as well as HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the initiative has provided some of the most comprehensive data on the status of women and children. The last such surveys were conducted in 2000, 2006 and most recently 2011.
A pilot of the survey was conducted in various parts of Trinidad in August 2022, which allowed field staff to get comfortable with every element of survey work, map reading and location, interviewing and sending completed data to supervisors in preparation for the actual fieldwork related to the MICS. Approximately 35 interviewers, 10 supervisors, 10 water quality testing officers and 6 observers comprised the team administering the survey.
Some of the types of data collected from previous surveys included: Use of Improved Drinking Water Sources, Birth Registration, and Attendance to Early Childhood Education, among others.
In a statement, the CSO offered thanks to citizens and residents who participated in the exercise, while urging continuous support for similar CSO surveys.
The organization is now analysing the responses and estimates that a report on the findings should be released in six months’ time.
“Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles also extends congratulations to citizens for supporting the work of the CSO in this regard, ensuring the high response rate. Minister Beckles thanks the Management and Staff of the CSO, stating that the Statistical Office has continued its focus on professionalism and generation of high-quality statistics, while working to transform Trinidad and Tobago’s National Statistical System,” the release stated.
“The Minister acknowledges the support of UNICEF for this project, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and all the goals of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Development Strategy, Vision 2030, through the provision of evidence-based data,” the statement added.
