TANZANIA COMMISSION FOR AIDS - Global HIV M&E Information

Forms of expressing indicators
Indicators can be stated qualitatively (using statements – referred to as non-numeric) or
quantitatively (as numeric indicators). Non-numeric indicators are expressed in words.
They are referred to as qualitative or categorical indicators. They denote the presence or
absence of an event or criteria. Examples of non-numerical indicator are given in the
statement below:
o Peer education recruitment completed? (Yes/No)
o Training curricula included topic on HIV/AIDS (Yes/No)
Numeric indicators can be expressed as counts, percentages, ratios, proportions, rates,
or averages. Counts give an idea of the number of events that took place, or the number
of people reached, without indicating the total possible number.
In evaluation terms, it is advisable to state indicators as percentages, ratios, and
proportions. These measures have advantage in allowing the operator to see what was
achieved in relation to the denominator (the total possible number).
Characteristics of indicators
Indicators should be specific. The more specific the indicator, the more likely that we
are able to measure the programme objectives and activities. Indicators should specify:
o Characteristics of the target population intended to be reached. This includes
specifying gender, age and residence, marital and schooling status
o Location of target population such as rural or urban youth, youth in a certain city or
district, etc.
o The time frame within which the objectives are intended to be achieved
Indicators should have the same scale as its corresponding programme objectives. For
example, if the objective is to increase the age at the first sexual activity among
adolescents aged 10-19 years who live in Kinondoni, then the indicator should measure
‘average age at first sexual activity among adolescents aged 10-19 years who live in
Page 30