AN EVALUATION OF VITAL REGISTERS AS SOURCES OF DATA FOR INFANT-MORTALITY RATES IN CAMEROON

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 ev aluate the accuracy of vital registers as sources of data for infant m ortality rates in Cameroon. Methods. A household census of births and infant deaths that occurred in Buea Subdivision between 1 November 199 1 and 31 October 1992 was conducted to determine the proportion that w ere 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 reg istering births were lack of money, lack of time and a complicated reg istration procedure. For infant deaths the reasons were lack of knowle dge and no perceived benefits. Conclusions. Vital registers of birth a nd 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 cov erage for births and infant deaths.