Mixed-methods analysis of select issues reported in the 2016 World Health Organization verbal autopsy questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Use of a standardized verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaire, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) instrument, can improve the consistency and reliability of the data it collects. Systematically revising a questionnaire, however, requires evidence about the performance of its questions. The purpose of this investigation was to use a mixed methods approach to evaluate the performance of questions related to 14 previously reported issues in the 2016 version of the WHO questionnaire, where there were concerns of potential confusion, redundancy, or inability of the respondent to answer the question. The results from this mixed methods analysis are discussed across common themes that may have contributed to the underperformance of questions and have been compiled to inform decisions around the revision of the current VA instrument. METHODS: Quantitative analysis of 19,150 VAs for neonates, children, and adults from five project teams implementing VAs predominately in Sub-Saharan Africa included frequency distributions and cross-tabulations to evaluate response patterns among related questions. The association of respondent characteristics and response patterns was evaluated using prevalence ratios. Qualitative analysis included results from cognitive interviewing, an approach that provides a detailed understanding of the meanings and processes that respondents use to answer interview questions. Cognitive interviews were conducted among 149 participants in Morocco and Zambia. Findings from the qualitative and quantitative analyses were triangulated to identify common themes. RESULTS: Four broad themes contributing to the underperformance or redundancy within the instrument were identified: question sequence, overlap within the question series, questions outside the frame of reference of the respondent, and questions needing clarification. The series of questions associated with one of the 14 identified issues (the series of questions on injuries) related to question sequence; seven (tobacco use, sores, breast swelling, abdominal problem, vomiting, vaccination, and baby size) demonstrated similar response patterns among questions within each series capturing overlapping information. Respondent characteristics, including relationship to the deceased and whether or not the respondent lived with the deceased, were associated with differing frequencies of non-substantive responses in three question series (female health related issues, tobacco use, and baby size). An inconsistent understanding of related constructs was observed between questions related to sores/ulcers, birth weight/baby size, and diagnosis of dementia/presence of mental confusion. An incorrect association of the intended construct with that which was interpreted by the respondent was observed in the medical diagnosis question series. CONCLUSIONS: In this mixed methods analysis, we identified series of questions which could be shortened through elimination of redundancy, series of questions requiring clarification due to unclear constructs, and the impact of respondent characteristics on the quality of responses. These changes can lead to a better understanding of the question constructs by the respondents, increase the acceptance of the tool, and improve the overall accuracy of the VA instrument.

Rapid assessment of Malawi's civil registration and vital statistics system.

In 2010, Malawi adopted a National Registration Act, making the registration of births and deaths compulsory, and efforts to improve Malawi's civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system are underway. During a participatory-style workshop, stakeholders completed a rapid assessment of the national civil registration and vital statistics systems. While participants discussed and scored each item in a standard tool, the workshop focused on sharing of partners' roles and challenges. The workshop has enhanced receptiveness in collaboration, and an inter-ministerial technical working group has now been formed to develop a strategic plan and conduct a comprehensive assessment to guide future improvements.

En 2010, le Malawi a adopté l'état-civil national, rendant l'enregistrement des naissances et des décès obligatoire, et des efforts d'amélioration du système d'enregistrement de l'état-civil et des autres statistiques vitales du Malawi sont en cours. Lors d'un atelier participatif, les partenaires ont complété l'outil d'évaluation rapide du système de l'état-civil national et des statistiques vitales. Tandis que les participants discutaient et donnaient un score à chaque élément de l'outil, l'atelier s'est concentré sur le partage des rôles des partenaires et des défis auxquels ils étaient confrontés. L'atelier a renforcé la réceptivité des participants à la collaboration et un groupe de travail technique interministériel a maintenant été formé pour développer un plan stratégique et réaliser une évaluation plus complète afin de guider les améliorations à venir.

En el 2010, Malawi adoptó la Ley Nacional del Registro, por la cual se hace obligatorio el registro de los nacimientos y las defunciones, y están en curso iniciativas tendentes a mejorar el sistema de registro civil y estadísticas vitales. En un taller de tipo participativo, los interesados directos completaron un instrumento de evaluación rápida de los sistemas de registro civil y estadísticas vitales. Los participantes examinaron y calificaron cada elemento del instrumento, y el centro de interés del taller consistió en poner en común de las funciones y las dificultades encontradas de los asociados. El taller reforzó la receptividad durante el trabajo en colaboración y se conformó un grupo de trabajo interministerial, con el propósito de elaborar un plan estratégico y llevar a cabo una evaluación exhaustiva que permita orientar las futuras medidas de perfeccionamiento.

Why do Mexican Americans give birth to few low-birth-weight infants?

There are relatively few low-weight births among Mexican Americans, despite their socioeconomic disadvantages. Fewer low-birth-weight (LBW) births result when babies are heavier at term or when there are fewer preterm deliveries. The authors used 1994 US singleton livebirth birth certificates to compare Mexican Americans with non-Hispanic Whites. They found that the lower LBW rate among Mexican Americans (5.8%) compared with non-Hispanic Whites (6.1%) occurred because fewer small, preterm babies were born to Mexican Americans (3.4% vs. 3.9%). This result was obscured by two findings. First, the mean birth weight of Mexican American babies (3,343 g) was lower than that of non-Hispanic White babies (3,393 g). This finding again showed the independence of mean birth weight and LBW. Second, the overall preterm birth rate was higher among Mexican Americans (10.6%) than non-Hispanic Whites (9.3%). Our hypothesis is that this finding reflects errors in recorded gestational age, as illustrated by a strongly bimodal birth-weight distribution at young gestational ages for Mexican Americans. Further studies on the LBW paradox among Mexican Americans should thus focus on gestational age more than on birth weight.

Maternal and child health statistics: Russian Federation and United States, selected years 1985-95.

This report provides comparative maternal and child health data for recent years for the Russian Federation and the United States. Statistical data for Russia are from the Ministry of Health of Russia and from Goskomstat, the central statistical organization of Russia. Information for the United States comes from various data systems of the National Center for Health Statistics as well as other parts of the Department of Health and Human Services. A background section provides a description of each country's health care system and national guidelines for maternal and child health care. This information is intended to assist the reader in interpreting the subsequent sections on various aspects of maternal and child health. The report uses tables, figures, and commentary to present information on many different health measures for mothers, infants, children, and adolescents in the two countries. Topics covered include population size, prenatal and obstetrical care, abortions, natality, breastfeeding, mortality, immunization, communicable diseases, and other morbidity measures. The commentary includes a discussion of data quality issues that affect the accuracy and comparability of the information presented. Data are provided for selected years from 1985 to 1995. When available, additional detail is provided for key subgroups of each population: for the Russian Federation, urban and rural populations; for the United States, black and white racial groups. A glossary of terms at the end of the report provides additional information on definitions and data sources and limitations.

Birth outcomes of immigrant women in the United States, France, and Belgium.

OBJECTIVES: To compare maternal characteristics and birth outcomes of Mexico-born and native-born mothers in the United States and those of North African mothers living in France and Belgium to French and Belgian nationals. METHODS: We examined information from single live birth certificates for 285,371 Mexico-born and 3,131,632 U.S.-born mothers (including 2,537,264 U.S.-born White mothers) in the United States, 4,623 North African and 103,345 Belgian mothers in Belgium, and a French national random sample consisting of 632 North African and 11,185 French mothers. The outcomes were mean birthweight, low birthweight, and preterm births. Differences between native/nationals and foreign-born mothers in each country were assessed in bivariate and multivariate analyses controlling for maternal risk factors. RESULTS: The adjusted odds for low birthweight were lower for immigrants than native/nationals by 32% in the United States, by 32% in Belgium, and by 30% in France. The adjusted odds for preterm births were lower for immigrants compared with native/nationals by 11% in the United States and by 23% in Belgium. In France, the odds for preterm births were comparable for immigrants and naturalized mothers. Infants of immigrant mothers also had higher mean birthweights in all three countries. CONCLUSION: Despite their disadvantaged status, Mexico-born and North African-born women residing in the United States, France, and Belgium show good birth outcomes. These cannot be explained solely by traditional risk factors. Protective factors and selective migration may offer further clues.

Obstacles to reducing cesarean rates in a low-cesarean setting: the effect of maternal age, height, and weight.

OBJECTIVE: To examine risk factors for elective and nonelective cesarean delivery in a population with a low cesarean rate. METHODS: Nulliparous women delivering singleton births in Sweden during 1992-93 were included (n=92,623). Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and rates of cesarean delivery. RESULTS: The overall cesarean rate was 11.9%. Risks for cesarean increased consistently with increasing maternal age, decreasing maternal height, and increasing prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). Compared with teenagers, the OR of cesarean was 2.6 among women 30-34 years and 4.4 among women 35 years of age or older. Compared with tall women (greater than 174 cm), the OR of cesarean for women 155-164 cm was 2.0, and 4.5 for short women (less than 155 cm). Compared with lean women (BMI less than 20.0), the ORs of cesarean for overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9) and obese women (BMI of at least 30.0) were 1.8 and 2.4, respectively. Similar risks also were obtained when the analyses were restricted to elective or nonelective cesarean deliveries. The effect of prepregnancy BMI on cesarean rate was influenced by maternal height: among tall women, rates of cesarean increased from 5% among lean women to 11% among obese women, whereas corresponding rates among short women were 19% and 36%, respectively. The influence of mother's education, type of hospital, and other factors was considerably less. CONCLUSION: The increase in maternal age at first birth and the weight among young women present obstacles to the reduction of cesarean rates in developed countries.

Changes in indications for cesarean delivery: United States, 1985 and 1994.

OBJECTIVES: The percentages of cesarean deliveries attributable to specific indications (breech, dystocia, fetal distress, and elective repeat cesarean) were computed for 1985 and 1994. METHODS: Data were derived from the 1985 and 1994 National Hospital Discharge Surveys. RESULTS: Dystocia was the leading indication for cesarean delivery in both years. In comparison with 1985, cesareans performed in 1994 that were attributable to dystocia and breech presentation increased, those attributable to fetal distress did not change significantly, and elective repeat cesareans declined. CONCLUSIONS: Studying indications for cesareans can be useful for hospitals, clinicians, and researchers in determining strategies to lower primary and repeat cesarean rates.

Causes of declining life expectancy in Russia.

CONTEXT: Russian life expectancy has fallen sharply in the 1990s, but the impact of the major causes of death on that decline has not been measured. OBJECTIVE: To assess the contribution of selected causes of death to the dramatic decline in life expectancy in Russia in the years following the breakup of the Soviet Union. DESIGN: Mortality and natality data from the vital statistics systems of Russia and the United States. SETTING: Russia, 1990-1994. POPULATION: Entire population of Russia. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Mortality rates, life expectancy, and contribution to change in life expectancy. METHODS: Application of standard life-table methods to calculate life expectancy by year, and a partitioning method to assess the contribution of specific causes of death and age groups to the overall decline in life expectancy. United States data presented for comparative purposes. RESULTS: Age-adjusted mortality in Russia rose by almost 33% between 1990 and 1994. During that period, life expectancy for Russian men and women declined dramatically from 63.8 and 74.4 years to 57.7 and 71.2 years, respectively, while in the United States, life expectancy increased for both men and women from 71.8 and 78.8 years to 72.4 and 79.0 years, respectively. More than 75% of the decline in life expectancy was due to increased mortality rates for ages 25 to 64 years. Overall, cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke) and injuries accounted for 65% of the decline in life expectancy while infectious diseases, including pneumonia and influenza, accounted for 5.8%, chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis for 2.4%, other alcohol-related causes for 9.6%, and cancer for 0.7%. Increases in cardiovascular mortality accounted for 41.6% of the decline in life expectancy for women and 33.4% for men, while increases in mortality from injuries (eg, falls, occupational injuries, motor vehicle crashes, suicides, and homicides) accounted for 32.8% of the decline in life expectancy for men and 21.8% for women. CONCLUSION: The striking rise in Russian mortality is beyond the peacetime experience of industrialized countries, with a 5-year decline in life expectancy in 4 years' time. Many factors appear to be operating simultaneously, including economic and social instability, high rates of tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, depression, and deterioration of the health care system. Problems in data quality and reporting appear unable to account for these findings. These results clearly demonstrate that major declines in health and life expectancy can take place rapidly.

The effectiveness of antenatal care in preventing intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight due to preterm delivery.

A case-control study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of antenatal care in preventing intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and low birth weight due to preterm delivery (PD), using data from 1837 births which took place in 25 hospitals in Mexico City during 1984. Women with an inadequate number of visits for gestational age had 63% greater odds of IUGR (95% CI: 1.01, 2.65) and 51% greater odds of PD (95% CI: 1.02, 2.23) than women with an adequate number. The content of antenatal visits showed no independent effect on the prevention of IUGR. Women having had poor content showed a PD OR of 1.76 (95% IC: 1.33, 2.34). An important reduction in the incidence of births with IUGR and PD could be expected if women could attend an adequate number of antenatal visits (11 and 9% reductions, respectively). Eighteen per cent of the PD births would probably be prevented if antenatal care could include at least six procedures: blood pressure, height and weight, urine and blood samples, and pelvic examination.

Cesarean section delivery in the 1980s: international comparison by indication.

OBJECTIVE: We compared trends and current levels of cesarean section delivery by indication in four countries to help us understand factors underlying national differences in obstetric delivery practice and identify pathways to lower cesarean rates. STUDY DESIGN: We carried out a measurement of change in the use of cesarean delivery by indication in Norway, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States during intervals centered on 1980, 1985, and 1990. Indication for cesarean delivery was determined by a standard set of selection rules. RESULTS: The rate of growth of national cesarean section rates dropped significantly between the time periods 1980 to 1985 and 1985 to 1990 in all four countries; in Sweden this led to an actual decline in the cesarean section rate. Fetal distress and previous cesarean section were important contributors to cesarean section growth in three of the countries in 1980 to 1985, but their contribution to growth dropped off sharply in 1985 to 1990. By the 1990 interval, the overall rate ranged from 24% (United States) to 11% (Sweden), and all four countries had similar cesarean section rates for breech presentation, fetal distress, and "other" indications. Cesarean section deliveries for previous cesarean section and dystocia accounted for the substantially higher U.S. cesarean section rate. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean section rates are approaching stability in the four countries and have declined in Sweden. Previous cesarean delivery and dystocia may be the major sources of future reductions in the U.S. cesarean rate. The Swedish example shows that it is possible to reduce a relatively low national cesarean section rate.

Birthweight distributions in Mexico City and among US Southwest Mexican Americans: the effect of altitude.

In this study birthweight distributions for Mexican Americans and Mexico City were compared. Sharp differences in the two distributions were nearly eliminated by controlling for altitude. The small remaining excess in low birthweight in Mexico City appears to be due to a slight overrepresentation of tertiary hospital deliveries, and possibly to a greater prevalence of pathological conditions. The results are consistent with the favorable low birthweight rate reported for Mexican Americans and illustrate the need to adjust for altitude in studies of low birthweight.

International collaborative effort (ICE) on birth weight, plurality, perinatal, and infant mortality. IV. Differences in obstetrical delivery practice: Norway, Scotland and the United States.

We have carried out a comparative study on differences in operative obstetrical practice during the 1970s and 1980s, in Norway, Scotland and the United States of America. It was based on information from official sources in each country. We compared rates of cesarean section (CS) and operative vaginal delivery according to maternal age, parity and gestational age at delivery, birthweight, fetal presentation, and other characteristics of the child, indications for operative delivery, and hospital size and teaching status. While all three countries had rising CS rates, the Scottish rates, which lay between those of the U.S.A. and Norway, rose more slowly than in the latter. In 1985, the rates were 22.8% in the U.S.A., 13.5% in Scotland and 12.0% in Norway. Use of forceps and vacuum extractor declined in the U.S.A. and Scotland, but increased in Norway. CS rates in mothers aged 35 and over were uniformly high in 1970 and rose relatively little. Specific CS rates for very low birthweight children, breech presentation and twins rose to 30-50% in all three countries with some national trend differences. Rate ratios of operative delivery between large and small hospitals fell from about 2-3 in the 1970s to approximately 1.5 in 1985, least markedly in Scotland. The impact of previous CS as an indication for CS cannot be resolved because of notification and recording differences.

International differences in the use of obstetric interventions.

This study investigated current levels and trends between 1975 and 1986 in the rates of cesarean section in 21 countries and of operative vaginal delivery in 14 countries. Sharp differences in national obstetric practice were found, with cesarean rates ranging from a high of 32 (Brazil) to 7 (Czechoslovakia) per 100 hospital deliveries, and operative vaginal rates from 16 (Canada) to 2 (Czechoslovakia) per 100 hospital deliveries. For most countries, rates of cesarean section have risen as operative vaginal rates have fallen, but some important exceptions exist. A comparison of cesarean section rates for two complications of labor and delivery that can be objectively diagnosed, multiple births and breech delivery, demonstrates that cesarean section rates for these complications rose sharply in almost every country from 1980 to 1985. A comparison of 1985 national rates of intervention and measures of birth outcome found no significant relationship between the two. While such ecological comparisons are imperfect at best, this does indicate that low levels of early infant mortality can be achieved in some populations despite a low rate of cesarean deliveries.

Comparisons of national cesarean-section rates.

Our study of cesarean rates in 19 industrialized countries of Europe, North America, and the Pacific revealed sharp differences in rates, ranging from a low of 5 (Czechoslovakia) to a high of 18 (United States) per 100 hospital deliveries in 1981. Differences in cesarean rates according to maternal age, parity, and complications of pregnancy and childbirth reflected national differences in obstetrical practice. For example, the percentage of mothers who had a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section was only 5 in the United States as compared with 43 in Norway, where the cesarean rate was half that in the United States. Despite the wide range of cesarean rates, almost all the countries studied have had consistent increases over the past decade, and the annual rate of increase for all countries appears to be converging. The steady pace of increase in developed countries, combined with comparable or even higher rates of cesarean delivery now being reported in less developed countries, underscores the need for the medical community to consider the appropriateness of this continued rise in the number of cesarean deliveries.