The sample design for the NHTS was based on a master sample (MS) that used a two-stage, stratified design with probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) sampling of PSUs from within strata, and systematic sampling of dwelling units (DUs) from the sampled primary sampling units (PSUs). A self-weighting design at provincial level was used and MS stratification was divided into two levels, primary and secondary stratification. Primary stratification was defined by metropolitan and non-metropolitan geographic area type. During secondary stratification, the Census 2001 data were summarised at PSU level. The following variables were used for secondary stratification; household size, education, occupancy status, gender, industry and income.
Census enumeration areas (EAs) as delineated for Census 2001 formed the basis of the PSUs. The following additional rules were used:
• Where possible, PSU sizes were kept between 100 and 500 dwelling units (DUs);
• EAs with fewer than 25 DUs were excluded;
• EAs with between 26 and 99 DUs were pooled to form larger PSUs and the criteria used was same settlement type;
• Virtual splits were applied to large PSUs: 500 to 999 split into two; 1 000 to 1 499 split into three; and 1 500 plus split into four PSUs; and
• Informal PSUs were segmented.
A Randomised Probability Proportional to Size (RPPS) systematic sample of PSUs was drawn in each stratum, with the measure of size being the number of households in the PSU. Altogether approximately 3 080 PSUs were selected. In each selected PSU a systematic sample of dwelling units was drawn. The number of DUs selected per PSU varies from PSU to PSU and depends on the Inverse Sampling Ratios (ISR) of each PSU.
