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Birth defects surveillance. A pilot system in the Cape Peninsula
A R Sayed1, D E Bourne, J M Nixon
1Department of Community Health, University of Cape Town.
Summary
A pilot birth defects surveillance system in Cape Peninsula found hospital-based data consistent with international rates. However, population-based surveillance using statutory birth notifications significantly under-reported birth defects.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Established in 1982, a pilot birth defects surveillance system was initiated in the Cape Peninsula.
- The study aimed to establish a baseline for potential impacts of water quality changes on birth defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methodologies for two distinct birth defect information systems: one hospital-based and one population-based.
- To present preliminary birth defect rates and assess reporting system accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized statutory notifications of births for population-based surveillance.
- Employed a hospital-based system for data collection.
- Compared reported birth defect rates by cause.
Main Results:
- Preliminary birth defect rates from the hospital-based system align with international findings.
- The population-based system, relying on statutory notifications, demonstrated substantial under-reporting of birth defects.
Conclusions:
- Hospital-based surveillance provides reliable data for birth defect rates.
- Population-based surveillance using statutory notifications is inadequate due to significant under-reporting.
- Further refinement of population-based surveillance methods is necessary for accurate epidemiological studies.