Analysis of neonatal and infant mortality data for the white population of the Witwatersrand

Statistics of population size, number of births, and neonatal and infant mortality for the White populations of 10 Witwatersrand municipalities were studied. Sources of data were: (i) national statistics from the Central Statistical Services; and (ii) annual reports from the local authorities. The two sources correlated well for population size and number of births (r = 0,99), less so for infant deaths (r = 0,71), and not at all for neonatal deaths (r = 0,43). Causes of infant mortality were also studied, using national and local reports. Comparison of hospital records with those of the local Department of Health revealed significant coding errors in the recording of causes of death. The mechanisms for reporting births and deaths are discussed and suggestions for improvements in the system are made.