Early Birth Registration at a Center in Rural India

BACKGROUND: Registration of birth is mandatory in India however due to various issues compliance for timely birth registration has been poor. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine time elapsed between birth and registration and describe the socio-demographic profile of registered births at a rural center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken and all births registered at a primary health center of a block during the period 2010 and 2011 were retrieved and data collection carried using structured proforma based on birth formats under civil registration system (CRS). House to house visit was undertaken to identify births without registration. RESULTS: A total of 340 and 276 births were registered during 2010 and 2011 respectively. Time elapsed between birth and registration was computed to be lower, i.e., 9.38 days (±7.46) during 2011 in-comparison with 10.52 days (±8.73) in 2010. On a positive note, higher level of education and marriage of women beyond legal age of 18 years was noticed in 2011 in comparison with 2010. Overall, institutional birth stood at a very encouraging note (66.2%). All (100%) births during the study period were registered at this (rural) or higher center (urban) depending on the place of delivery. An omission/commission of birth format is highlighted that needs urgent attention of the authorities. DISCUSSION: Majority (>92%) of birth registration occurred with-in the stipulated period of 21 days as prescribed under CRS and our study indicates early birth registration in a rural area of Haryana, India.