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The importance of vital statistics
Health Policy, 7 (1987) l-2 Elsevier
1
HPE 00115
Editorial
The importance
of vital statistics
E. Hyock Kwon Korea National Accepted
22 July
University
of Education,
Korea
7986
Vital statistics are primary data sources which indicate the level of fertility and mortality. These vital data by birth and death registration are very important factors in providing reliable measures of population change and important yardsticks in guiding health policy. The high rates of population growth currently prevailing in most of the developing countries are largely the result of previous elevated fertility rates. There have, however, been significant reductions in fertility in many developing countries in recent years. Some of these fertility declines can definitely be linked to family planning. A substantial reduction in mortality was also experienced in most developing countries following World War II. Declines in mortality have in turn resulted in relatively high levels of life expectancy being accompanied by a change of disease patterns from infectious and parasitic diseases to chronic non-communicable disorders. In order to evaluate and control the changing structure and level of fertility and mortality, almost all developing countries including those in the Asian and Pacific Region have enacted legislation relating to the registration of vital statistics. An important issue is the application through the survey design of appropriate modalities reflecting basic principles such as deciding whether enumeration of people should be “de facto” or “de jure”. Sample surveys are another possible source on fertility in terms of vital data, for example, the World Fertility Survey programme which was undertaken in 41 countries from 1974 to 1984. Sometimes fertility indicators can be derived from census data such as those in children ever born alive by the application of so-called ‘own children’ techniques. In any way a fundamental problem facing developing countries in terms of data collection, analysis and utilization is the shortage of skilled manpower. In addition Address for correspondence: Dr. E. Hyock tion, Chungbuk 320-23, Korea.
Kwon,
016%8510/87/$03.50
Publishers
0
1987 Elsevier
Science
President,
Korea
National
B.V. (Biomedical
University
Division)
of Educa-
2
to the need for that resource there is the requirement to develop a framework covering adequate training not only in the collection and analysis, but also in the utilization of data. Some of the problems associated with data collection and analysis of vital statistics could be resolved with advanced management information systems and modern data processing technology. Research and training agencies have to initiate the programmes of training for both statistical and utilization expertise regarding vital statistics and for developing the management information systems. In order to improve vital registration in the developing countries, health education, school health programs or IE&C (information, education and communication) to the people should be developed, to better their understanding of the crucial importance of registration of birth and death events. In some countries health workers should also be involved to improve the registration of vital statistics through utilization of health center networks. In addition, some sort of general campaign emphasizing the importance of vital registration is desirable in developing countries.
1
HPE 00115
Editorial
The importance
of vital statistics
E. Hyock Kwon Korea National Accepted
22 July
University
of Education,
Korea
7986
Vital statistics are primary data sources which indicate the level of fertility and mortality. These vital data by birth and death registration are very important factors in providing reliable measures of population change and important yardsticks in guiding health policy. The high rates of population growth currently prevailing in most of the developing countries are largely the result of previous elevated fertility rates. There have, however, been significant reductions in fertility in many developing countries in recent years. Some of these fertility declines can definitely be linked to family planning. A substantial reduction in mortality was also experienced in most developing countries following World War II. Declines in mortality have in turn resulted in relatively high levels of life expectancy being accompanied by a change of disease patterns from infectious and parasitic diseases to chronic non-communicable disorders. In order to evaluate and control the changing structure and level of fertility and mortality, almost all developing countries including those in the Asian and Pacific Region have enacted legislation relating to the registration of vital statistics. An important issue is the application through the survey design of appropriate modalities reflecting basic principles such as deciding whether enumeration of people should be “de facto” or “de jure”. Sample surveys are another possible source on fertility in terms of vital data, for example, the World Fertility Survey programme which was undertaken in 41 countries from 1974 to 1984. Sometimes fertility indicators can be derived from census data such as those in children ever born alive by the application of so-called ‘own children’ techniques. In any way a fundamental problem facing developing countries in terms of data collection, analysis and utilization is the shortage of skilled manpower. In addition Address for correspondence: Dr. E. Hyock tion, Chungbuk 320-23, Korea.
Kwon,
016%8510/87/$03.50
Publishers
0
1987 Elsevier
Science
President,
Korea
National
B.V. (Biomedical
University
Division)
of Educa-
2
to the need for that resource there is the requirement to develop a framework covering adequate training not only in the collection and analysis, but also in the utilization of data. Some of the problems associated with data collection and analysis of vital statistics could be resolved with advanced management information systems and modern data processing technology. Research and training agencies have to initiate the programmes of training for both statistical and utilization expertise regarding vital statistics and for developing the management information systems. In order to improve vital registration in the developing countries, health education, school health programs or IE&C (information, education and communication) to the people should be developed, to better their understanding of the crucial importance of registration of birth and death events. In some countries health workers should also be involved to improve the registration of vital statistics through utilization of health center networks. In addition, some sort of general campaign emphasizing the importance of vital registration is desirable in developing countries.