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© 1994 Oxford University Press

research-article

An Evaluation of Vital Registers as Sources of Data for Infant Mortality Rates in Cameroon

ISAIAH NDONG*, STEPHEN GLOYD* and JAMES GALE{dagger}

*Department of Health Services, School of Public Health and Community Meducine, University of Washington Seattle, USA
{dagger}Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Community Meducine, University of Washington Seattle, USA

Background. Infant mortality rates have been widely used as indicators of health status and the availability, utilization and effectiveness of health services. Two principal sources of data for infant mortality rates are vital registers and censuses. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of vital registers as sources of data for infant mortality rates in Cameroon.

Methods. A household census of births and Infant deaths that occurred in Buea Subdivision between 1 November 1991 and 31 October 1992 was conducted to determine the proportion that were registered and the reasons why the remainder were not registered.

Results. The registration coverage was found to be 62% for births and 4% for infant deaths. The most frequently reported reasons for not registering births were lack of money, lack of time and a complicated registration procedure. For infant deaths the reasons were lack of knowledge and no perceived benefits.

Conclusions. Vital registers of birth and death are not an accurate source of data for infant mortality rates in Cameroon. Motivation for birth and death registration appear to be dependent on the perceived benefits. A mechanism of registration that uses medical institutions may substantially increase registration coverage for births and infant deaths.

Received 1 December 1993


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