| Workshop on Population
Data Analysis, Storage and Dissemination Technologies
|
| Bangkok, 27-30 March
2001 |
STAT/WDT/Viet Nam
27 March 2001
ENGLISH ONLY
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE
PACIFIC
Workshop on Population Data Analysis, Storage
and Dissemination Technologies
27-30 March 2001
Bangkok |
| Counytry paper: Viet
Nam1/
|
by Mr. Dong Ba Huong
and Ms. Ngo Thi Nhuong
General Statistical Office, Viet Nam |
| Contents |
- Experience
in data collection technologies in the 1999
Population and Housing Census of Viet Nam
1.1
Organization of the 1999 PHC
1.2
Coverage of the census
1.3
Scope of the census
1.4
Pre-testing
1.5
Census publicity
1.6
Mapping and household listing
1.7
Selection and training of interviewers
1.8
Fieldwork and quality control
1.9
Data processing
- Data
analysis technologies
- Data
storage and data dissemination technologies
|
1/
This paper has been reproduced as submitted.
It has been issued without formal editing.
|
| I.
Experience in data collection technologies in
the 1999 Population and Housing Census of Viet
Nam |
| The 1999 Population and Housing
Census (1999 PHC) was conducted under the
Prime Minister's decision No. 106/QD-TTg and used
0 hour 1 April 1000 as the reference time. Its
was the third nationwide census conducted in Viet
Nam after the reunification of the country in
1975. |
| 1.1
Organization of the 1999 PHC |
| To implement the 1999 PHC, drawing
on lessons learned from the 1989 census, the GSO
developed a comprehensive plan and strategies
for all operations. |
| The Central Census Steering
Committee for the 1999 Population and Housing
Census was formed. Steering committees were also
established at provincial, district and communal
levels, to provide appropriate administrative
coordinating structures and mobilize resources
throughout the country. |
| Offices of the steering committees
at central, provincial and district levels were
set up for local census preparation with the participation
of key leaders. |
| 1.2
Coverage of the census |
| The 1999 census counted all
persons defined as being resident in Vietnam at
the census time point. |
| The manner of conducting a census
assigns each person to a household. An elaborate
set of rules is necessary to ensure that even
in the most complex cases, a person who is determined
to be resident in Vietnam is properly assigned
to a household and included in the census. Procedures
were also established to enumerate members of
special groups including the police force, army
and foreign affairs. Detailed flow charts are
also provided. |
| 1.3
Scope of the census |
| The Population and Housing Census
has three main components-a core census that includes
all persons, a housing census that includes all
defined census dwellings, and a sample survey
that includes approximately three percent of the
population. |
| 1.4
Pre-testing |
| Two major field tests were designed
during the census preparations. The testing of
the wording of particular questions, the design
of forms and the evaluation of the relationship
between scope and accuracy were the most important
objectives of these tests. However, the
effectiveness of training, the suitability of
the various instruction manuals, mapping and listing
operations and a host of administrative and logistical
tasks were also evaluated in the realistic situations
established for the tests. |
| The pre-test results were reviewed
and evaluated at a seminar held in January 1998
and provided the basis for revising some of the
more difficult census questions and related manuals.
Discussions at the seminar also pointed the way
to further preparatory work that needed to be
completed if the 1999 census were to be conducted
successfully. |
| The second major field test
was more in the nature of a pilot census. Fifty-two
enumeration areas were selected for the pilot
census. The pilot census provided an opportunity
to review all management and logistical plans
for the census (especially the control of field
procedures such as mapping, household listing,
enumeration and the selection and training of
field staff), and the subsequent control over
the flows of documents during checking and processing.
Special care was also taken to note any problems
arising from the use of training materials, manuals
and other census documents. |
| A workshop was held following
the completion of fieldwork, to evaluate the test
and to consider the programme for the full census
operation in 1999. At a later date the results
of the pilot census were processed and a second
seminar was conducted to discuss problems in data
entry, editing and to initiate the design of the
full census processing system. |
| 1.5
Census publicity |
| In an intensive programme, all
media were used in presenting materials and messages
to the public to understand the meaning and timing
of the census and individual responsibilities
to participate. The cooperation of all the media
in affording priority to the census was an essential
part of the national strategy, drawing upon the
press, radio and television at State and provincial
levels. Many forms of publicity including the
use of panels, slogans, songs, competitions, and
mobile presentations, often combined with meetings
and discussion with local people were tried. |
| 1.6
Mapping and household listing |
| A successful census requires
that each enumerator should have complete information
about the area to be covered and the location
of each household to be interviewed. The country
was divided into enumeration areas, with the intention
that each EA would serve as a workload for an
enumerator. The completed maps were required to
show clear boundaries with neighboring EAs, needed
to mark the location of each census dwelling,
and easy for enumerators to follow. Quite apart
from the EA maps, it was also necessary to have
reliable up-to-date maps for all administrative
levels-the communes, wards and urban clusters,
districts, towns and provinces-as an important
way of exercising control over the complex and
extensive field programme involved in the census. |
| The household listing work commenced
early in 1999 and was completed just before the
start of the training of enumerators. These listing
forms provided further guidance to enumerators
on the size of their EAs, helped in planning their
work and ensured that census counts were accurate. |
| 1.7
Selection and training of interviewers |
| Based on the 1998 pilot census,
it was possible to prepare some guidelines on
recruitment of enumerators and supervisors.
Ideally it was felt that fieldworkers required
a good education, some experience at working with
others, local knowledge, and to be in sound health.
In some of the more remote areas, where there
was a scarcity of candidates, it was necessary
to relax the guidelines and recruit from other
localities with less emphasis on formal qualifications.
But, even where the enumerators were recruited
from outside, local people were able to participate
as interpreters and guides. |
| The task of training 250,000
recruits as census enumerators and supervisors
in six days was a huge challenge to the census
organization. Training was conducted in three
stages. The first stage involved training at the
central level. The second stage involved training
at the provincial level. The provincial staff
who had themselves been trained at the central
level now conducted courses in the provincial
capitals. Trainees were selected from the districts
for six day courses designed primarily to train
the trainers for the main third stage of the training
programme. |
| The main training, the third
stage of the programme, immediately prior to the
commencement of the main fieldwork. About 5,000
training courses were conducted simultaneously
throughout the country to prepare supervisors
and enumerators for the census enumeration. At
the completion of the training sessions, the skills
of participants were tested, and those who passed
were appointed for the census fieldwork. |
| 1.8
Fieldwork and quality control |
| A number of field procedures
were adopted to ensure that the information collected
was accurate. The main responsibility rested with
the supervisors, who were responsible for the
day to day field enumeration. Apart from their
tasks of observing and checking the work of enumerators,
supervisors were also instructed to re-interview
a small sample of households and to make random
spot checks in others to make sure the enumerators
maintained high standards. |
| On completion of the enumerators
work, the questionnaires were vetted by members
of the communal/ward level steering committees.
Where they felt errors had occurred they could
discuss the problems with the supervisors and
return to respondents to check and correct responses
if necessary. |
| Once cleared by the communal/ward
level steering committees, the batches of completed
forms were passed to the steering committees at
district and provincial and central levels. These
committees also followed checking and verification
procedures, mainly to ensure that forms were properly
filled in and all households were accounted for. |
| 1.9
Data Processing |
| i. Selection of software: |
| In late 1998, the Central Data
Processing Center (CDPC) conducted test runs to
develop its data processing system, using records
from the pilot census. Three different applications
were tested for data entry (adapting standard
packages known as IMPS, ISSA and FoxPro).
From these tests it was decided that the version
based on ISSA was the best-suited to the Viet
Nam census. |
| ii. Distribution
of data processing facilities: |
| Data entry and on-line editing
facilities were provided at 9 centers (CDPC, Hanoi,
Nam Dinh, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Ho Chi
Minh city, An Giang and Can Tho). Each center
established a computer network for census data
processing with a server HP LH3 and 12 to 53 PC.
For the entire country, 240 PCs were used for
processing and 10 servers (two in CDPC).
A total of 450 data entry operators were engaged
to work in two shifts. The network in each regional
computer centers is connected to the CDPC network
through a telephone dial-up system. Thus, as data
entry was completed in each province, data files
were transferred to the CDPC server. |
| iii. The data entry,
editing and tabulations operations: |
| The main strategy for data entry
is to "photocopy" all information on the
questionnaires to the computer, that is to change
recorded information as little as possible.
To do this keyers were not permitted to modify
or correct recorded information. However, there
were a number of checks provided to ensure the
keyed data were valid, but most of these checks
were in the form of warning messages to
control for key stroke errors and column shifting.
Data entry was completed for the 3 percent sample
within about two 2 months. All editing operations
were undertaken at the CDPC. Tables were produced
progressively from September 1999, using the CENTS
module. |
| A number of consistency checks
were carried out (the edits were specified in
CONCOR) and records in error were edited on-line
by special editors. As soon as data entry for
a district was completed, a listing of inconsistencies
was printed out for checking and, correction and
updating of files. |
| iv. System management
and control: |
| A system of management and control
was developed by CPDC (using a FoxPro application)
to help managers to monitor the processing. All
stages in the cleaning of data are monitored under
this system, from the receipt of the questionnaires,
to data entry, verification, checking, listing
of inconsistencies, data correction, combining
EA data files into higher geographic levels, production
of frequency tables, and data backup. The system
also provides the mechanism to validate the geographic
identification of keyed data, to avoid duplication
or omission of EAs. For managers, the system generates
different kinds of reports, for example, to keep
track of the status of each EA, to calculate the
quantity and quality of work of the data entry
operators and print salaries due, or to provide
frequencies of imputed values to subject mater
specialists to ensure the rules are properly applied. |
|
| II.
Data analysis technologies |
| The major type of training provided
through the technical assistance given by ESCAP
in the planning, conduct and presentation of census
analysis. The users of census data and analysis
are also be involved in the analysis planning
workshop on tabulation and data analysis plan
which was provided to prepare a special plan for
the demographic data analysis training courses
as well as the internal research seminars and
research studies to be carried out by various
institutions. The GSO and other agencies responsible
for conducting the analysis participated in the
workshop. |
| Technical assistance for data
analysis was provided from CST-UNFPA funded consultants
in preparation of analytical reports. For those
reports, ESCAP staff come to Hanoi during the
planning stage in order to provide assistance
in preparing the study design and outline. The
persons and officers responsible for the analysis
will then prepare the necessary tables, conduct
the analysis and prepare the draft reports in
Vietnamese and English. the chapter will then
be reviewed and finalized the English text by
CST consultants. |
| Three 3-week sectoral training
courses on census data analysis was conducted
for participants from GSO, line-ministries and
research institutions. The GSO has responsible
for much of the analysis of census data but invited
other agencies concerned with particular sectors
to carry out some analysis, namely the Ministry
of Labour- Invalid and Social Affaires (MOLISA)
and the National Economic University (NEU). |
| For the 3 percent sample analysis,
the Analysis Team divided into four groups, each
responsible for two or three chapters. ESCAP provided
two staff members to assist with the analysis
of nine chapters. About 2500 copies of that report
were disseminated in August 2000 to a wide variety
of users inside and outside the country. |
| Three census monographs containing
in-depth analysis of census data are also be prepared.
The first analyzes in detail the nuptiality, fertility
and mortality of regions and provinces by socio-economic
and demographic variables. The second analyzes
process of migration and urbanization, incorporating
other social, economic and demographic variables
during the 10 years (1989-1999); in addition,
it examines policy implications for the future.
The third analyzes the labour and employment situation
and prospects over the last decade; it proposes
policy recommendations for the next decade. As
the plan, about 2500 copies of each monographs
will be disseminated to a wide users in May 2001. |
| It is observed that, in Viet
Nam, data collected on births and deaths occurring
during the 12 months prior to the census are subject
to various kinds of errors and biases, leading
to the under-estimation of fertility and mortality
rates. In order to overcome this problem, at
the country and regional levels, a special
post-enumeration survey (PES) of the 3 percent
sample on fertility and mortality was conducted
one month after the census. Adjustment factors
then estimated to correct fertility and mortality
rates. However, at the provincial level,
due to its sample size is much lower than the
regional level, the cumulative fertility experience
and proportion dead among children ever born by
age group of women have been used to derive indirect
estimates of fertility and mortality. |
|
| III.
Data storage and data dissemination technologies
|
| The users of census data are
also be invited to attend the two one-day data
storage and dissemination workshops held in Hanoi
to prepare a special plan, content and technology
for the data storage and data dissemination. The
GSO, line-ministries and other agencies at the
central and provincial level, and staff of some
international institutions in Hanoi participated
in the workshop. After the needs of users have
been investigated, a mix of census products and
services has been developed to meet these needs.
Census information requirements can be broadly
classified into the following segments: |
- High level management,
media, some foreign organizations interested
in summary statistics, high level of geographic
aggregation, main findings etc. They probably
want this information in hardcopy, and for
the information to be brief and easy to use.
- Ministries, large organizations
require a high level of geographic aggregation,
but perhaps more statistical detail. These
users may require hardcopy output, data in
electronic format or on-line access.
- Authorities at province,
district and commune level require more detail
tables for their own region. They also want
regional profiles containing data from some
others for comparison.
- Researchers require detailed
user specified tabulations and micro data
in electronic format.
- Other organizations request
a wide range of output, much of which should
be satisfied from summary or more detailed
output produced databases created to store
tabulated output. Information may be required
on hardcopy or electronically.
|
| In order to ensure widespread
use of 1999 census information, GSO has made preparation
of information booklets, newsletters, publications
(in various formats and media) for different target
audiences, with technical assistance from CST
advisers and national experts, and providing following
output where appropriate: |
- Micro data and access
software to allow creation of user specified
output.
- Standard tables in electronic
format with access and manipulation software.
- Electronic databases for
storing tables available on demand.
- Electronic products including
software such as POPMAP.
- Brief documents providing
main findings of census data.
- Hardcopy publications
containing census information at all geographic
levels.
- Thematic and analytical
publications, and electronic versions of these
publications.
|
| Immediately following publication
of each census products, GSO convenes a workshop/press
conference to present the results of publications/electronic
products to policy makers, planners and researchers
from other ministries and institutes. The workshop
and press conference informs the participants
of the results of the analysis and how the results
may be incorporated into their sectoral planning/research. |
| According to the plan has been
approved, the results of the 1999 PHC are published
and disseminated in following publications and
electronic products: |
| For
Preliminary results: |
| 1. Viet Nam Population
and Housing Census 1999: Preliminary Results (Sept.
1999) |
| The report includes two parts:
Part I presents the most basic indicators,
based on a manual count which was undertaken immediately
after the completion of the census fieldwork,
including population by sex, population growth
rate, sex ratio, and population density tabulated
by province and urban/rural areas. Part II
is a brief description of census organization
and implementation. |
| For
Three-Percent Sample Results: |
| 2. Viet Nam Population
and Housing Census 1999: Sample Results (Aug.
2000) |
The report includes 3 parts:
- Part I presents a detailed
description of census organization and implementation,
sample design and an overview on census quality.
- Part II analyzes major
results such as: population size and composition,
fertility and mortality, migration and urbanization,
education and qualifications and economic
characteristics of the population.
- Part III presents statistical
tables inflated from the 3% sample data, illustrative
maps and annexes.
|
| 3. Summary report on sample
results (Mar. 2000) |
| The report provides Government
leaders with key census indicators calculated
from the 3% sample results. |
| 4. Computer printout tables
on 3% sample results (Jan. 2000) |
| This is a set of detailed data
tables printed out by computers (raw data), tabulated
for the national, regional and provincial levels
and separated by urban and rural areas. These
data tables are kept at the General Statistical
Office and Provincial Statistical Offices. |
| 5. Brochure "The 1999 Population
and Housing Census" (May 2000) |
| This is a brief and colorful
presentation, including data tables together with
illustrative figures/charts, on key census indicators
selected from the 3% sample results. |
| 6. Website of the computer
printout tables on the 3% sample results (July
2000) |
| 7. Micro database together
with software package used for producing tabulations
from the 3% sample results (Sep. 2000) |
| 8. Monograph on fertility
and mortality (May 2001) |
| This monograph analyzes in detail
the nuptiality, fertility and mortality of regions
and provinces. |
| 9. Monograph on migration
and urbanization (Jun. 2001) |
| This is an in-depth analysis
on the process of migration and urbanization,
incorporating other social, economic and demographic
variables during the 10 years (1989-1999); in
addition, it examines policy implications for
the future. |
| 10. Monograph on labour
and employment (Jun. 2001) |
| This is an in-depth analysis
on the labour and employment situation and prospects
over the last decade; it proposes policy recommendations
for the next decade. |
| For
the Completed results: |
| 11. The system of computer
printout tables on completed results (Apr. 2001) |
| This is the set of computer
printout tables (raw data), available for all
administrative levels from the central to commune
levels, separated for urban and rural areas. These
tables will be kept at the General Statistical
Office, Provincial Statistical Offices and District
Statistical Offices. |
| 12. Summary report on completed
results (Apr. 2001) |
| This report will provide Government
leaders with key indicators drawn from the completed
results of the census. |
| 13. Brochure "The 1999
population and housing census: Completed results"
(Apr. 2001) |
| This is a brief and colorful
presentation, including data tables together with
selected illustrative figures/charts, on selected
indicators drawn from the completed results. |
| 14. Macro database on tables
of completed results on CD-ROM and GSOnet (Jun.
2001) |
| 15. Electronic population
atlas for provincial and district levels using
the POPMAP software package (Jul. 2001). |
|
