A study of vital and health statistics of the Kainji Lake Area of Nigeria.

A survey of vital and health statistics, and the evaluation of collection of these data in the registration centres of Kainji Lake Area, are presented. Forty-two per cent of all deaths occurred below 10 years of age, with the largest percentage occurring below 5 years of age. The leading causes of all deaths were malaria, gastro-intestinal disorders and measles. Occurrence of an epidemic was found to be significant to the overall mortality. The role of traditional healers in the control of childhood mortality is discussed. About 34% of the women had married more than once and 56% of the divorces occurred after the first marriage. The causes of divorces were largely due to loss of affection and neglect. The number of deliveries in the hospitals was more than the number of registered births and no death was registered at the centres. A unique system of collection of vital information was suggested for the Kainji Lake Area.