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What the vital statistics system can and cannot do

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  • Zemach, R.

Abstract

A national study published in this issue of the Journal compares in detail the statistics on maternal mortality published by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) from death records for 1974-78, and records which were identified by state vital records offices as cases of maternal mortality. The authors express concern over the fact that the NCHS data understated the actual number of maternal deaths by 20 per cent or more, and urge a systematic study to determine why 400 deaths in the five-year period were identified by the states, but not classified by NCHS, as maternal deaths. Birth and deaths are registered according to state laws. A state's vital records system is primarily a set of records concerning individual persons, to be used for legal matters: identification; proof of citizenship, age, or death; and evidence of cause of death, if needed to collect insurance. The only content that is really required for legal purposes is the time and place of the vital event, and enough information to uniquely identify the individual who was born or who died.

Suggested Citation

  • Zemach, R., 1984. "What the vital statistics system can and cannot do," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 74(8), pages 756-758.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1984:74:8:756-758_2
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    Cited by:

    1. Carla Jorge Machado, 2003. "An assessment of the data quality for live births and infant deaths for the 1998-birth cohort, city of São Paulo, using information from SINASC and SIM," Textos para Discussão Cedeplar-UFMG td215, Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.

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