Mobile phone survey estimates of perinatal mortality in Malawi: A comparison of data from truncated and full pregnancy histories

• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14109
• Publication Date: 2025-04-21T05:43:06Z
• Authors: Georges Reniers; Julio Romero‐Prieto; Michael Chasukwa; Funny Muthema; Sarah Walters; Bruno Masquelier; Jethro Banda; Emmanuel Souza; Boniface Dulani

Abstract Objectives In many low‐ and middle‐income countries, perinatal mortality estimates are derived retrospectively from periodically conducted household surveys. Mobile phone surveys offer advantages in terms of cost ease implementation. However, their suitability for monitoring has not been established. Methods We use data the Malawi Rapid Mortality Phone Survey (RaMMPS) to estimate rates two versions survey instrument: a full pregnancy history shorter truncated history. Female respondents reproductive age were randomly allocated either these instruments. The sample was generated through random digit dialling with active strata monitoring. Post‐stratification weighting used correct selection bias, reported bootstrap confidence intervals. estimated stillbirth rate as synthetic cohort probability foetal death 28+ weeks gestation over all pregnancies reaching same gestational age. extended defined probabilities dying between 28 7 or days life, respectively. RaMMPS compared 2015–2016 Demographic Health published by United Nations Inter‐agency Group Child Estimation. Results Truncated histories administered 2093 2067 women, Weighted point (19.81 deaths per 1000 pregnancies, 95%‐confidence interval (CI): 14.11–25.62), (42.41, 95%‐CI: 33.91–50.92), (50.11, 41.56–58.84) instrument line Estimation estimates. comparison, higher, but this difference only approaches statistical significance case rate. produces small upwards adjustment Conclusion promising method collecting data. more plausible results than questionnaire where window retrospection is restricted.