Data source mapping: an essential step for health inequality monitoring

ABSTRACT

The task of health inequality monitoring is not possible without the availability of appropriate and high-quality data at various levels. Data source mapping – a process by which data sources are systematically enlisted, their properties detailed and each source appraised for the purposes of monitoring – is an essential initial step for health inequality monitoring. We outline a simple process along with a template for data source mapping and its application in Indonesia, concluding with the lessons learned from this process, in terms of both challenges as well as the opportunities and advantages arising from the use of equity-related data from the Indonesian health information system.

SPECIAL ISSUE:

• Monitoring Health Inequality in Indonesia

KEYWORDS:

• Data source mapping
• health inequality monitoring
• Indonesia

Responsible Editor Nawi Ng, Umeå University, Sweden

Responsible Editor Nawi Ng, Umeå University, Sweden

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the following stakeholders who participated in the initial planning meetings for health inequality monitoring in Indonesia and gave support to the data source mapping exercise: Badan Pusat Statistik/BPS, Statistics Indonesia; Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Studies, Universitas Indonesia; the Faculty of Medicine, University of Gadjah Mada; Centre for Data and Information, Ministry of Health, Indonesia; National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD), Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia; Family Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Indonesia; the USA Agency for International Development (USAID); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the views, decisions or policies of their institutions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethics and consent

Not required.

Paper context

Data source mapping – a process whereby data sources are systematically enlisted, their properties detailed in relation to health indicators and inequality dimensions, and each source appraised for the purposes of monitoring – is an essential initial step for health inequality monitoring. We outline a simple process along with a template for data source mapping and evaluate its application in Indonesia. This is one key component in a larger process by which data may be used for equity-oriented monitoring and policymaking at the national level.

Additional information

Funding

DN is supported by a Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship in Public Health.

Notes on contributors

Ahmad Reza Hosseinpoor

ARH conceptualized the paper and DN wrote the first draft of the manuscript. ARH, S and NK revised the manuscript critically, and provided edits and comments. All co-authors meet the ICMJE criteria for authorship, and have read and approved the final manuscript.