Methodology and Quality Update

Methodology and Quality last update 

17/11/2024

Statistical Presentation

Data description  

The Household Environment Statistics publication presents data on the environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The education and training survey is a survey conducted to collect data on the basic characteristics as follows:
•    The main sources of drinking water used by households at households.
•    The extent of using water-saving devices or tools in households.
•    Methods of waste disposal in households. 
•    Environmental pollution experienced by households. 
•    Residents' awareness and knowledge of key environmental issues. 
•    Data on the main water source and drinking water source in the household, in addition to data on the use of soap for handwashing, which is a requirement for calculating one of the indicators of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Classification system

The following classifications are applied in the Household Environment Statistics publication:
Saudi Classification of Specializations and Educational Levels:
A statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED_11) and (ISCED_13) for education and training, issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It serves as the reference classification for organizing educational programs and qualifications according to their levels and fields of study. It comprehensively covers all educational programs, levels, and methods, spanning from early childhood education to higher education levels.
This classification is used in the Household Environment Statistics publication to classify individuals 15 years and older according to their majors and education levels.
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard  (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries.  
The classification is used in the Household Environment Statistics publication to classify Saudi or non-Saudi individuals .
Metadata are collected through interviews, so that outputs can be produces in accordance with all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website:  www.stats.gov.sa

Sector coverage

Not applicable

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts of the Household Environment Statistics publication:
•    Trees: 
It is the form of plant life in the environment on the Earth's surface. In general, trees are distinguished from other plants by having roots, a trunk, and branches. They grow larger than other plants during their growth stages and are characterized by their sturdiness. In addition, trees have the ability to survive for many years, unlike other types of plants such as algae and grasses.
•    Palm tree: 
It is a type of tree that produces dates.        
•    Sidr tree (commonly known as Christ's thorn jujube): 
is a dense, widespread tree with deciduous leaves. It has a branching trunk and light brown, twisted branches.    
•    Bougainvillea:
It is used to create protective fences and plant hedges. It can be shaped for ornamental purposes.  evergreen, and blooms continuously throughout the year.
•    Conocarpus (commonly known as Damas): 
The dense trees of Damas are known in agricultural circles as Conocarpus or Piriomia.
•    Nerium (Oleander):  
A very beautiful flowering shrub with a pleasant fragrant smell, it can grow up to 3 meters in height. It is tolerant of heat and the climate of the region. and all parts of the plant are toxic.
•    Acacia or Desert Thorn (commonly known as Salam or Samr): 
It is a tall, spiny desert shrub or tree.
•    Indian Jasmine: 
It is a shrub with white flowers, characterized by its strong growth and dark green leaves. The tree can reach a height of between 2 and 8 meters.
•    Moringa: 
The Arabian Moringa tree is characterized by its rapid growth, reaching a height of more than ten species, and breeding with seeds.
•    Acacia glauca: 
It is a relatively small flowering tree. the flowers are bright yellow. and the leaves are compound and green in color.
•    Grey Water:  
It is the water that comes from sinks, bathtubs, washing machines, and floor drains. This water is characterized by the absence of organic materials.
•    Piped water (networked water):
 It is also called "household plumbing," and it refers to the pipes that deliver water to one or more faucets inside the house.
•    Water distribution (tankers): 
They are trucks equipped with tanks that transport large quantities of water for distribution to households. 
•    Automatic irrigation systems: 
Any water-saving irrigation systems, whether through drip irrigation or self-automated sprinkler equipment. 
•    Is there any safety and security measure in the house.
Fire extinguishers 
Fire alarm systems.
First aid box

•    Drinking water source: 
 It is the point where water used for drinking is obtained in the household, and it is divided into:
-    Piped water (networked water): It is also called "household plumbing," and it refers to the pipes that deliver water to one or more faucets inside the house.
-    Water distribution (tankers): They are trucks equipped with tanks that transport large quantities of water for distribution to households. 
-    Bottled water: It is water sold in stores in small or large bottles or refillable containers. This does not include water brought from other sources and stored in plastic containers.
-    Covered well: It is a well-protected from surface runoff water by an internal lining or a cover above ground level, which acts as a barrier to prevent runoff water from mixing with the well water. The well is covered to prevent the entry of contaminants such as bird droppings and small animal waste. Water is extracted from it using pumps or manual lifting tools.
-    Open well: A well that lacks an inner lining layer or cover above ground level to protect it from running water and other sources of pollution (including bird and animal droppings).
-    Covered spring: Natural springs that are protected by a structure made of bricks, stones, or concrete, with water flowing directly from the spring into a pipe or reservoir without mixing with surface runoff water or sources of contamination.
-    Open spring: Natural springs that lack protective enclosures ("boxes") to shield them from runoff water and other sources of contamination (including bird droppings and animal waste).
-    Surface water: Open water sources above ground such as rivers, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, streams, canals, and irrigation canals. 

•    Water interruption: 
The unavailability of water when needed in the household. 
•    Handwashing facility (sink): 
It is the place where hands are washed.
•    Water availability in the handwashing facility: 
The availability of water in the handwashing sink. 
•    Soap or detergents: 
They are substances used with water to clean the hands from dirt such as dust, soil, and microorganisms that can cause various diseases, such as the common cold. 
•    Sharing the bathroom in the household: 
Sharing a bathroom with others who are not household members. 
•    Automatic/Manual flush toilet (Western-style toilet): 
The automatic flush toilet contains a small water tank used for flushing. The drainage pipe beneath the toilet seat or its ceramic bowl is shaped like the letter "U," which retains water and prevents the escape of flies and odors. On the other hand, the manual flush toilet has a "U"-shaped drainage pipe but does not have a water tank. Water is manually poured to flush waste.
•    Pit toilet with a slab (Arabian toilet): 
A dry sanitation system that collects waste in an underground pit, covered by a slab or platform made of solid, easy-to-clean materials. It has a small opening or seat allowing waste to fall directly into the pit.
•    Pit latrine without a slab / Open pit: 
A dry sanitation system that uses holes in the ground to collect waste, without a slab, platform, or seat. It essentially functions as a primitive toilet for storing waste.
•    No toilet in the open field:
 Defecating in the forest, fields, or pits, placing the waste on the ground and covering it with a layer of soil (cat method), or wrapping the waste and throwing it in the trash, or defecating in a surface water source (drainage canal, beach, river, stream, or sea).
•    Water-saving devices: 
Installation of low-flow devices in bathrooms, toilets, showers, and kitchen drains to reduce water consumption.
•    Water pump: 
A mechanical device used to transfer water from one place to another by increasing the water pressure, allowing it to flow through pipes to the desired location.
•    Automatic washing machine: 
A machine that washes clothes automatically without the need for manual intervention.
•    Automatic dishwasher: 
A machine that washes dishes automatically without the need for manual effort.
•    Drinking water desalination filter:
Filters designed to remove impurities and small contaminants such as salts and heavy metals, trapping harmful substances and purifying the water for drinking.
•    Cleaning the water tank: 
Cleaning the underground or overhead water tank throughout the year.
•    Waste disposal: 
 It refers to the removal of household waste that may contain food scraps, paper, plastic, glass, or cardboard from the home. Waste is disposed of through:
-    Public containers outside the home (municipal containers): They are containers outside the home (municipal containers): These are containers used for temporarily storing waste and unwanted materials outside the household. 
-     Burning (waste incineration): It refers to setting fire to waste in order to dispose of it, either on the surface of the ground or in pits dug to a certain depth below the surface.
-    Landfilling (waste burial): It is the process of separating waste, where organic waste (such as food scraps) is collected in separate bins for composting, and non-organic waste (such as paper) is placed in separate bins, along with metal and glass waste. This process helps in recycling.

•    Public container (municipal containers): 
They are containers used to temporarily store waste and unwanted materials outside the household.
•    Burning (waste incineration): 
It refers to setting fire to waste in order to dispose of it, either on the surface of the ground or in pits dug to a certain depth below the surface.
•    Landfilling (waste burial): 
This technique involves reducing the volume of solid waste and then burying it in a pit underground. The size of the pit is sufficient to contain the amount of waste to be buried, and it is located away from water bodies. A layer of cement is placed at the bottom of the pit, followed by another layer of hard plastic to prevent the leakage of liquid materials formed from the decomposition of solid waste into the ground, thereby protecting groundwater from contamination.
•    Visual pollution: 
 It results from unwanted sounds that can cause disturbance and discomfort to living organisms in general, and to humans in particular. 
•    Noise pollution: 
It is caused by unwanted sounds that can lead to disturbance and discomfort for living beings in general, and especially for humans.
•    Light pollution: 
It is the excessive use of artificial lights that alters the natural lighting of the environment, affecting human health and safety, wildlife, plant growth, increasing energy consumption, and disrupting ecosystems.
•    Air pollution: 
It is the presence of solid, liquid, or gaseous substances in the air in quantities that cause physiological, economic, and ecological harm to humans, animals, plants, machines, and equipment, or affect the nature of things. 
•    Organic products: 
 They are products that are grown or produced without the use of genetically modified hormones or chemicals, such as preservatives and flavorings. Farmers rely on natural fertilizers to strengthen and enhance plant growth, so that the products can be classified as organic foods.
•    Environmental awareness: 
It refers to a general understanding or awareness of the relationship between humans and their natural environment, and the consequences of this relationship (such as: all types of pollution). It involves being conscious of environmental issues, acquiring knowledge, skills, and developing attitudes toward environmental matters.
•    Environmental issues: 
Refer to the harmful impacts of human activities on the environment. Environmental conservation practices aim to protect the natural environment at individual, organizational, or governmental levels, for the benefit of both the environment and humans. Environmental concepts and issues are addressed through advocacy, education, and activities.
•    Air pollution: 
It refers to the presence of harmful substances or elements in the air surrounding a home, which are detrimental to human health and the well-being of other living organisms. 
•    Increasing waste quantity: 
The growing amount of waste in the street surrounding the home, which causes the emission of unpleasant and disturbing odors. 
•    Water scarcity:
 The shortage of access to clean, drinkable water or the lack of water supply.
•    Climate change: 
A significant and noticeable long-term change in weather conditions, including temperature, rainfall patterns, snowfall, and winds.
•    Desertification: 
It is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. It results from human activities and climate change. Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because the ecosystems of drylands, which cover more than one-third of the Earth's land area, are highly vulnerable to overexploitation and improper land use.

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in Household Environment Statistics publication is the household.

Statistical population

The statistical population for the Household Environment Statistics publication is all households, whether Saudi or non-Saudi, who are habitually resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference area

Household Environment Statistics covers 13 administrative areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is selected in a scientific way to be representative of the families of the region from the framework of the general population and housing census for 2022.

Time coverage

The data are available for the time series from 2018 to 2023, and the time coverage for 2023.

Base period

Not applicable. 

Unit of measure

All results are reported as percentage (such as: The relative distribution of the main source of drinking water in households at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period

References period to the variables or dataset as following:
•    The data for the Household Environmental Statistics 2023 is based on the period from January 1st to December 31st.
•    The demographic data about the family and housing characteristics, as well as family data, are based on the date of contact with the family.
•    The data related to water, sanitation, waste, and environmental data are assigned to the year 2023.

Confidentiality 

Confidentiality - policy

According to the Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07-12-1397, data must always be kept confidential, and must be used by GASTAT only for statistical purposes.
Therefore, the data are protected in the data servers of the Authority.

Confidentiality - data treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate its summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see the original questionnaire, which usually include data like names and addresses of individuals, names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential, GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly (by name, address, contact number, identity number etc.) or indirectly (by combining different - especially rare - characteristics of respondents: age, occupation, education etc.).

Release policy

Release calendar

The Household Environment Statistics publication is included in the statistical calendar.

Release calendar access

Available on the:  https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/future-releases

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients' needs, so it immediately provides them with the publication's results once the Household Environment Statistics publication is published.
It also receives questions and inquiries of the clients about the Publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official e-mail address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Client support e-mail:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).

Frequency of dissemination

Annual. 

Accessibility and clarity

News release

The announcements of each publication are available on release calendar as mentioned in 7.2. Release calendar access. The news release can be viewed on the website of GASTAT through the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/news

Publications

GASTAT issues Household Environment Statistics publication and Reports on a regular basis within a pre-prepared dissemination plan and are published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, methodology and quality report, and questionnaires) in both English and Arabic. 
The Household Environment Statistics publication are available on the link:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics

On-line database

Not available.

Micro-data access 

Microdata are unit-level datasets derived from surveys, censuses, and administrative records. These datasets provide detailed insights into individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas, supporting the development of statistical indicators and in-depth research.
The different types of microdata files to meet different information needs:
• Public use:
It consists sets of records containing information on individual persons, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly (by name, address, contact number, identity number etc.) or indirectly (by combining different - especially rare - characteristics of respondents: age, occupation, education etc.).
• Scientific use:
These files established based on specific methodology asked by data requester to extract the datasets with specific characteristics used for strategic studies and decision making as well scientific research purposes on individuals, households and enterprises with no direct identifiers, which have been subject to control methods to protect confidentiality.
Access to Scientific Use Files (SUF) is restricted to authorized researchers who comply with ethical and confidentiality standards. Representative samples of SUF can be obtained through GASTAT's secure platform, "Etaha," while more sensitive datasets are accessible only through secure physical lab environments managed by GASTAT.

Other

Not available.

Documentation on methodology

Framework of the Household Environment Statistics publication: The concepts, definitions, issues and classifications are based on the WHO and UNICEF International Standards for Water supply, sanitation and Personal Hygiene.
World Health Organization

Quality documentation

Quality documentation covers documentation on methods and standards for assessing, measuring, and monitoring the quality of statistical process and output. It is based on standard quality criteria such as relevance, accuracy and reliability, timeliness and punctuality, accessibility and clarity, comparability, and coherence.

Quality management

Quality assurance

GASTAT declares that it considers the following principles: impartiality, user orientated, quality of processes and output, effectiveness of statistical processes, reducing the workload for respondents. 
Quality controls and validation of data are actions carried out throughout the process in different stages such as the data input and data collection and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Relevance 

User needs 

Internal users in the GASTAT for the Household Environment Statistics publication data:
•    International indicators department.
•    Health and Education Statistics Department 
•    Strategic Communication and Client Support Department 
•    Population, Gender, and Diversity Statistics Department
Some several external users and beneficiaries greatly benefit from Household Environment Statistics publication, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Researchers, scholars, and individuals.

The disseminated key variables used by external users:

User satisfaction

Not available.

Completeness 

Household Environment Statistics publication data are based on completed household data where all data are published in the form of statistical indicators, and the status of data is complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

Overall accuracy

•    The data collected is improved through the researchers, that have been selected according to a set of practical and objective criteria and training program related to the field of work.
•    Alert and validation rules are applied during the data collection process on the electronic questionnaire for the Household Environment Statistics publication to enhance data quality.
•    Data is checked with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality

The publication takes place according to the published release dates on the statistical calendar for Household Environment Statistics publication on the website of the General Authority for Statistics.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

Comparability - geographical

The data are fully comparable between the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia.

Comparability - over time 

The Household Environment Statistics publication began in 2019 as an annual publication, and the following are the main changes that have occurred in recent years:
•    In 2021, they switched to computer-assisted telephone Interviews (CATI).
•    In 2022, the method of computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) was introduced, along with the use of the General Population and Housing Census framework for the year 2022.

Coherence- cross domain 

Not applicable. 

Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable. 

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable. 

Coherence - internal 

Household Environment Statistics publication estimates have full internal coherence, as they are all based on the same corpus of microdata, and they are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Resources used 

Data revision

Data revision - policy

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Data revision - practice

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Statistical processing

Source data

Household Environment Statistics publication data are based on two sources:
First source: Household Environment Statistics data, which is the household environment survey.
Second source: Data from administrative records:
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Frequency of data collection 

Annual.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Household Environment Statistics data is collected through computer-assisted Personal Interviews (CATI).
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with GASTAT's relevant departments involved in conducting the survey and managing data collection, the administrative data of the Household Environment Statistics publication is obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture
The data is stored in the authority's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes following approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. If errors or discrepancies are discovered, the data is cross-referenced with the data source for correction or clarification.

Data validation

Data are reviewed and matched to ensure their accuracy and precision in a way that suits their nature with the aim of giving the presented statistics quality and accuracy. 
The data of the current year publication are compared with the data of the previous year to ensure their integrity and consistency in preparation for processing data and extracting and reviewing results.
In addition to the data processing and tabulation to check their accuracy, all the outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by GASTAT to be reviewed and processed by specialists in Environment, Agriculture, and Energy Statistics Department through modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data compilation

Data Coding:
Interviewers in the Household Environment Statistics publication collect from respondents, a detailed description of each field. This information is then coded in-house by an automated process, which is reviewed by a small-dedicated team of coding experts using a series of consistency checks.
Data editing:
Specialists of Environment, Agriculture, and Energy Statistics Department have processed and analyzed data in this stage, and this step was based on the following measures:
•    Sorting and arranging data in groups or different categories in a serial order.
•    Summarizing detailed data into key points or data.
•    Combining many data segments and ensuring their interconnection.
•    Processing incomplete or missing data.
•    Processing illogical data.
•    Converting data into statistically significant data.
•    Arranging, presenting, and interpreting data.
Compensation (for non-response cases or incomplete datasets): 
•    Cases of non-response:
The response is analyzed at the level of the completed sample, and the weight is then estimated for each preview unit for dissemination to the entire community.
•    Incomplete data sets:
 The General Authority for Statistics uses statistical methods to estimate anomalous values and some missing data within the sections of the Household Environment Statistics such as:
Such as: The use of measures of central tendency at the level of targeted strata. 
Extrapolation and weighting: 
After processing the data collected from respondents, survey weights were generated to produce indicator tables by following two main steps in creating survey weights: 
•    Adjustment of non-response.
•    Calibration weight
The applied statistical equations:
GASTAT has relied on the formulas approved by the international standards in calculating the key indicators for the Household Environment Statistics publication, as follows:
•    The relative distribution of the main source of drinking water in households at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia = (Number of households by each main source of drinking water / Total number of households) * 100.

The relative distribution of the main source of drinking water in households at the level of administrative regions = (Number of households by each main source of drinking water and administrative region / Total number of households) * 100.

Adjustment

Not applicable, only final results will be published.