Research into health, population and social transitions in rural South Africa: data and methods of the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System

Abstract

Rationale for study: Vital registration is generally lacking in infrastructurally weak areas where health and development problems are most pressing. Health and demographic surveillance is a response to the lack of a valid information base that can provide high-quality longitudinal data on population dynamics, health, and social change to inform policy and practice.

Design and measurement procedures: Continuous demographic monitoring of an entire geographically defined population involves a multi-round, prospective community study, with annual recording of all vital events (births, deaths, migrations). Status observations and special modules add value to particular research areas. A verbal autopsy is conducted on every death to determine its probable cause. A geographic surveillance system supports spatial analyses, and strengthens field management.

Population and sample size considerations: Health and demographic surveillance covers the Agincourt sub-district population, sited in rural north-eastern South Africa, of some 70,000 people (nearly a third are Mozambican immigrants) in 21 villages and 11,700 households. Data enumerated are consistent or more detailed when compared with national sources; strategies to improve incomplete data, such as counts of perinatal deaths, have been introduced with positive effect. Basic characteristics: A major health and demographic transition was documented over a 12-year period with marked changes in population structure, escalating mortality, declining fertility, and high levels of temporary migration increasing particularly amongst women. A dual burden of infectious and non-communicable disease exists against a background of dramatically progressing HIV/AIDS.

Potential and research questions: Health and demographic surveillance sites - fundamental to the INDEPTH Network - generate research questions and hypotheses from empirical data, highlight health, social and population priorities, provide cost-effective support for diverse study designs, and track population change and the impact of interventions over time.[image omitted].

Figure 1

Maps indicating regional location of the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance Site.

Figure 2

Quality control, Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System.

Figure 3

Population pyramid, Agincourt health and demographic surveillance site, South Africa, 1992 and 2004. Note: Permanent population: resident for at least six months of the year. Temporary migrants: resident for less than 6 months of the year but remain closely linked to their rural household.