Added value of an open narrative in verbal autopsies: a mixed-methods evaluation from Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The WHO standardised verbal autopsy (VA) instrument includes closed questions, ascertaining signs and symptoms of illness preceding death, and an optional open narrative. As VA analyses increasingly use automated algorithms, inclusion of narratives should be justified. We evaluated the role of open narratives on VA processes, data quality and respondent's emotional stress.

Methods

A mixed-methods analysis was conducted using VA data for child deaths (0-59 months), between April 2013 and November 2016 in Mchinji district, Malawi. Deaths were prospectively randomised to receive closed questions only or open narrative followed by closed questions. On concluding the VA, interviewers self-completed questions on respondents' emotional stress. Logistic regression was use

SUBMITTER: Loh P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7871275 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature