Ascertaining the cause of death using verbal autopsy data: A probabilitic approach

Background: Information of numbers and causes of death in the developing world are normally based on estimates given by population registries or health facilities, which cover only a small proportion of the target area. However, monitoring and evaluation plays a major role in formulating good public health policy [1]. Additionally, two of the Millennium development goals require specific mortality measures, thus highlighting the need for valid and representative data on mortality [2]. Verbal autopsies (VA), collecting information on conditions, signs and symptoms experienced before death by the deceased in a que…