Socio-demographic profiles and circumstances of death among un-registered deaths in rural areas of Gujarat

With the on-going epidemiological transition, information on the pattern of mortality is important for health planning. Therefore, it is vital to search for un-registered mortality, especially among rural areas. The circumstances and profiles of the deceased should also be evaluated.

To study the profiles and characteristics of the deceased in rural areas of Dabhoda PHC.

Population covered by Dabhoda Primary Health Centre, Gandhinagar district, Gujarat. A cross-sectional study was conducted by trained multi-purpose health workers & ASHA workers through Verbal Autopsy questionnaire tool. A total of 178 unregistered deaths (which took place during January to December 2013) were interviewed. The respondents were either member of the same home or a close relative.

A total 59.6% of deaths occurred among males. More than half (56.2%) of the deaths occurred among those aged ≥60 years & about 1.69% deaths occurred among infants. Majority (69.7%) of the deaths occurred among “other backward class” (OBC); while most (82.6%) of the total deceased were “Below Poverty Line”. Majority (n=109, 61.2%) of them died at home. “Natural death “(n=38) was the most common cause of death according to the respondents, followed by senility (n=21).

Deaths of poor and under-privileged persons are more likely not to get registered. Deaths at home are also more likely to miss registration.