Coverage of death registration in a rural district of Sri Lanka

Objective: To assess the coverage of death registration in a rural district of Sri Lanka.

 

Methodology: All deaths that occurred during the year preceding the study were identified through a household survey. The status of registration of death was assessed and other relevant data obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire

 

Results: Of the 519 deaths identified, 72.5% were registered. Coverage of registration increased with increasing age with the lowest proportion of registrations being among infant deaths (28.6%). A higher coverage was observed among those who lived in the area for a longer duration, for deaths among males and for the deaths that occurred at home.

 

Conclusions: Findings suggest geographical variations in the completeness of death registration. Lack of knowledge and inconsistency of registration laws in rural and urban sectors are among the major influencing factors. Modifications in the death registration system and increasing public awareness would be vital in improving the present status.