Determining the Distribution and Causes of Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Using Smart VA

This study aims to identify the distribution and causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in selected PHCs of Belagavi using the SmartVA verbal autopsy tool. All stillbirths and neonatal deaths recorded between January and December 2025 will be assessed through standardized WHO-based verbal autopsy interviews using the PHMRC Shortened Questionnaire. The SmartVA-Analyze (Tariff 2.0) software will assign probable causes of death at both individual and population levels. The study will help generate reliable, community-level mortality data where medical certification is limited, support understanding of preventable factors, and guide public health interventions to reduce stillbirth and neonatal mortality.