The raw data from the 1996 South African census shows that
there were 33 764 households headed by a person aged 10-14
years. This figure has been quoted in the media to 'prove' the
effects of HIV\Aids on families. However, what the journalist fails to
mention is that there were also 32 264 households headed by a
person aged 0-4. It is my view that these figures are mistakes in
data collection or data capture. They are also due to the fact that
we have no way of distinguishing between the 'real' household head
and the peson who answered the questionnaire.
Can anyone advise me on how to produce more meaningful
information from the raw data.
It has been suggested that I combine the categories. This results
in household heads under 14 being .98%. HOwever the raw figures
still amount to over 80 000 for that category (which can still be
used by the media).
Is there any other way of correcting for mistakes?
Thanks for your assistance.
Dr. Susan Ziehl
Rhodes University
Grahamstown
South Africa
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