The 2005 EDHS data indicate that fertility levels in Egypt have decreased from 5.3 births in 1980 to 3.1 births in 2005. One of the factors influencing the on-going fertility decline in Egypt has been the steady increase in the age at marriage. Also, contraceptive use levels have more than doubled between 1980 and 2005, from 24 percent to 59 percent.

The survey indicates that 89 percent of children 12-23 months are fully immunized against the six major preventable childhood illnesses. Eighteen percent of Egyptian children are chronically malnourished or stunted, and 4 percent are acutely malnourished. Around four in ten female EDHS respondents have some form of anemia.

The survey explored knowledge of infectious diseases and other health issues. Only six percent of women in Egypt have comprehensive knowledge about the modes of transmission and prevention of HIV. Virtually all women express attitudes suggesting that there is a high degree of stigma associated with AIDS.

Questions were also asked on female circumcision and domestic violence. The survey found that almost all ever-married women age 15-49 (96 percent) have been circumcised. However, attitudes about circumcision appear to be changing. A smaller proportion of women supported continuation of the practice in 2005 (68 percent) than in 1995 (82 percent). Almost half of ever-married women of reproductive age have experienced violence at some point since they were 15. Acceptance of wife beating was higher among rural women than urban women.