Filling the gaps in cause-specific mortality in Senegal: a verbal autopsy study in death registration centers in Dakar

Khadim Niang, Université Catholique de Louvain
Bruno Masquelier, Louvain University (UCL)
Jean A. D. Tine, Institut de Santé et Développement (ISED)
Amadou Ibra Diallo, Institut de Santé et Développement (ISED)
Samba Ndiaye, Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD)

This research was conducted to evaluate the contribution of verbal autopsies (VA) integrated in the 72 civil registration centers of the Dakar region. Reported deaths over a two-month period were identified and the 2016 WHO-VA instrument was administered to relatives of the deceased. The InterVA5 software identified the main causes and circumstances of death. VA were completely administered to 42.8% of deaths reported in vital registration centers, and 66.7% of eligible cases. Death occurred at home in 35.9% of cases, in a health facility in 36.6%. The primary respondent designated to answer the questions was the father or mother of the deceased, in 39.5% of the cases. The analysis of the causes of death found a preponderance of cardiovascular diseases. VA integrated in vital registration centers are an accessible mean of collecting cause-of-death data in urban settings in Senegal to strengthen the health information system.