Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What is the best source of information on adult and infant mortality?

1. Disease registers

2. Vital statistics

3. Special survey study

4. Hospital clinic statistics

The correct answer is: Vital statistics

Vital statistics serve as the best source of information on adult and infant mortality because they encompass the collection and analysis of data related to birth and death rates within a specific population. This systematic collection of demographic data is typically collected through official governmental systems, which include death certificates and birth records. These records not only provide accurate counts of deaths but also often contain additional demographic information such as age, gender, and cause of death, which are crucial for understanding mortality trends. In contrast, disease registers may focus primarily on the incidence of specific diseases rather than comprehensive mortality information. Special survey studies can provide valuable insights but may not have the breadth or systematic scope to accurately reflect overall mortality rates. Hospital clinic statistics are limited to data from those who seek medical care and do not capture the broader population trends or those who may have died outside of a healthcare setting. Hence, while those sources can provide useful data, they do not offer a complete or official view of adult and infant mortality rates like vital statistics do.