| Abstract: | "This paper presents the results of the first direct attempt at evaluating the coverage of the perinatal death registration in the Distrito Federal [of Mexico]; this study is based on the information gathered from 574 deaths which took place in 23 hospitals in the Distrito Federal during a three month period in 1984. Both the causes of the failure to register many of these deaths and the quality of the information presented in perinatal death certificates are pointed out and discussed here. According to the evidence analyzed, it is clear that underregistration in the Distrito Federal is extremely marked.... The paper suggests the possibility of establishing a hospital registration system which would keep a record of both deaths and births. It also stresses the need for establishing rules to detect fetal deaths plus the need for unifying criteria regarding the definition of 'live birth'." (SUMMARY IN ENG) |
