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Accuracy of demographic indicators measured by geographical reconnaissance
Authors: ICDDR,B et al.
Source: Health and Science Bulletin, Vol 3, Num 3, Page: 1-4
Topic(s): Data models
Infant mortality
Country: Asia
  Bangladesh
Published: SEP 2005
Abstract: Each year fieldworkers from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attempt to visit all households in Bangladesh to collect extensive data in an activity termed geographical reconnaissance. We compared national estimates of crude birth rate; infant mortality rate and crude death rate calculated using data collected through geographical reconnaissance with results obtained from a sample vital registration system of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and with the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. While the estimates of crude birth rate were broadly similar, estimates of infant mortality rate were 75% lower and estimates of crude death rate were 40% lower from geographical reconnaissance than from the other systems. Given the substantial commitment of resources devoted to generating these data, and their inaccuracy, steps to streamline the process should be considered.