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Data set notes

European Health for All database

Indicators: 565

Updated: 18 October 2024

Contact: Data and Digital Health Unit (DDH)

The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:

• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)

• FTE: full-time equivalent

• PP: physical persons

• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.

More information: http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/databases/european-health-for-all-database-hfa-db

Indicator notes

Life expectancy at age 1 (years), females
Indicator code: E060201.F This indicator shares the definition with the parent indicator \"Life expectancy at birth (years)\".

Calculated by WHO/EURO for all countries which report detailed mortality data to WHO, using Wiesler's method. Age disaggregation of mortality data: 0, 1-4, 5-9,10-14, etc, 80-84, 85+.

Unfortunately, some countries are not able to ensure complete registration of all death cases and births. Therefore, life expectancy calculated using incomplete mortality data is higher than it actualy is. In some cases under-registration of deaths may reach 20% and this has to be kept in mind when making comparisons between countries. Particularly high levels of mortality under-registration are observed in countries which were affected by armed conflicts during 1990's, e.g. Georgia, Albania, Tajikistan and some other countries of former USSR and ex-Yugoslavia . In case of Georgia this problem is further aggravated by missing sufficiently accurate population estimates used as denominator._

Country/Area notes

Albania

Life expectancy is much higher than in reality due to the under-registration of death cases.
The sharp increase in 2001 is caused by the sharp change in population age structure based on the
2001 population census.

Armenia

January 2003: The 2002 population is based on the population census and is significantly lower than
estimates for previous years. This also effects the calculation of all rates and other indicators,
like life expectancy which show sharp changes between 2001 and 2002, purely because of the change in
the denominator. Indicators prior to 2002 will be recalculated if the retroactvely adjusted
population figures are received from the Central Statistical Office of Armenia.

Georgia

Data from 1995 onwards are estimates of the State Statisitcs Department made to adjust for
under-registration of deaths. They may be inconsistent with some other mortality-related indicators
which have been calculated using reported data on registered deaths.

Türkiye

Source: TURKSTAT (Turkish Statistical Institute).
Data are based on mid-year estimations of national population projections and indirect estimations.

General notes

Understanding Life Expectancy at Age 1 for Females

Life expectancy at age 1 for females is a crucial demographic indicator that provides insights into the health and longevity prospects of women after their first year. This statistic reflects the average number of years a one-year-old girl is expected to live, assuming that current mortality rates at each age remain constant throughout her life. It is an essential measure for public health officials and policymakers to assess the effectiveness of health interventions targeted at young children and to monitor changes in health outcomes over time. By focusing on life expectancy post-infancy, this metric also helps in understanding the impact of early childhood care and preventive health measures.

The Importance of Life Expectancy at Age 1 for Females

Understanding the life expectancy of females at age 1 is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as an indicator of the overall health environment that young children are growing up in, reflecting the success of healthcare policies aimed at reducing infant and child mortality. Secondly, it helps in planning and resource allocation for pediatric health services, ensuring that adequate facilities and treatments are available to support the well-being of young girls. Additionally, this metric can highlight disparities in health outcomes, prompting targeted interventions to address inequalities in healthcare access and quality among different population groups.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Age 1 for Females

While life expectancy at age 1 for females is a valuable demographic tool, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that need careful consideration.

Strengths

This measure provides a focused perspective on the health prospects of females entering their second year, offering a clear indication of the effectiveness of health policies and practices concerning early childhood. It allows for international comparisons, giving health researchers and policymakers a benchmark against which to measure progress or identify areas needing attention. Furthermore, this indicator is crucial for long-term health planning and forecasting, helping governments and organizations to prepare for future healthcare needs and resource allocation.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at age 1 for females relies heavily on the accuracy and completeness of mortality data. In regions where data collection is inconsistent or incomplete, particularly in developing countries, the estimates may not fully reflect the true health scenarios. Additionally, this measure does not account for the quality of life or the impact of chronic diseases that might not lead to death but could affect the health and well-being of individuals. It also overlooks the socio-economic factors that can influence health outcomes, such as access to clean water, nutrition, and education, which are crucial for understanding broader health dynamics.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at age 1 for females is an insightful demographic indicator, it should be interpreted with an understanding of its methodological constraints and the socio-economic context in which it is used. By addressing these limitations, health officials and policymakers can better utilize this measure to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for young girls globally.