Characteristics, availability and uses of vital registration and other mortality data sources in post-democracy South Africa

Abstract

The value of good-quality mortality data for public health is widely acknowledged. While effective civil registration systems remains the ‘gold standard’ source for continuous mortality measurement, less than 25% of deaths are registered in most African countries. Alternative data collection systems can provide mortality data to complement those from civil registration, given an understanding of data source characteristics and data quality. We aim to document mortality data sources in post-democracy South Africa; to report on availability, limitations, strengths, and possible complementary uses of the data; and to make recommendations for improved data for mortality measurement. Civil registration and alternative mortality data collection systems, data availability, and complementary uses were assessed by reviewing blank questionnaires, death notification forms, death data capture sheets, and patient cards; legislation; electronic data archives and databases; and related information in scientific journals, research reports, statistical releases, government reports and books. Recent transformation has enhanced civil registration and official mortality data availability. Additionally, a range of mortality data items are available in three population censuses, three demographic surveillance systems, and a number of national surveys, mortality audits, and disease notification programmes. Child and adult mortality items were found in all national data sources, and maternal mortality items in most. Detailed cause-of-death data are available from civil registration and demographic surveillance. In a continent often reported as lacking the basic data to infer levels, patterns and trends of mortality, there is evidence of substantial improvement in South Africa in the availability of data for mortality assessment. Mortality data sources are many and varied, providing opportunity for comparing results and improved public health planning. However, more can and must be done to improve mortality measurement by improving data quality, triangulating data, and expanding analytic capacity. Cause data, in particular, must be improved.

Kaposi's Sarcoma in HIV‐infected patients in South Africa: Multicohort study in the antiretroviral therapy era

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“…Stats-SA estimates of the completeness of birth registration showed an increase from 24.7% in 1998 to 72.0% in 2005 (23). Using the actuarial society of south africa (ASSA) model developed by Prof. Dorrington and colleagues as a reference, estimates of the completeness of death registration show an increase from 85 to 90% for adults and from 44 to 78% for children between 1996 and 2000 (25). …”

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“…Mortality studies provide insight into demographic changes, prompting socio-economic strategies addressed at improving population health and wellness [12,13] . The robustness of nationwide population-based mortality registries make it possible to carry out analysis over extended periods of time.…”