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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 15 (years), males
Indicator code: E060202.M 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

What is Life Expectancy at Age 15 (Years), Males?

Life expectancy at age 15 for males is a demographic indicator that estimates the average number of years a 15-year-old male is expected to live, assuming that age-specific mortality levels remain constant throughout his life. This statistic is crucial for understanding the health and longevity of a population segment, providing insights into the effects of policies and health interventions targeted at young males. It reflects the impact of a wide range of factors, including healthcare quality, lifestyle choices, and social-economic conditions, offering a snapshot of a nation's health at a critical developmental stage.

Importance of Life Expectancy at Age 15 (Years), Males

Understanding the life expectancy of 15-year-old males is vital for governments and health organizations to develop targeted health policies and programs. This demographic indicator helps in planning and allocating resources effectively, particularly in areas like mental health, sports, education, and preventive medicine. It also aids in addressing specific risks and challenges faced by young males, including accidents, violence, and chronic diseases, thereby shaping interventions that can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Age 15 (Years), Males

While life expectancy at age 15 for males is a valuable demographic measure, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that influence its utility and accuracy.

Strengths

This indicator provides a focused perspective on the health status of young males, allowing for targeted health interventions and policy-making. It is a standardized measure, making it possible to compare across different regions and time periods, which is essential for tracking progress and trends in public health. Additionally, it helps in identifying disparities in health outcomes among different population groups, thereby guiding efforts towards equity in health care and social services.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at age 15 can be influenced by the quality of data on mortality rates. In regions where data collection is inconsistent or incomplete, the estimates may not accurately reflect the true health scenarios. Moreover, this measure does not account for the quality of life or morbidity; it only estimates the length of life. Seasonal and short-term fluctuations in mortality rates, such as those caused by epidemics or natural disasters, may also not be fully captured, potentially skewing the understanding of long-term health trends.

Furthermore, while useful, this indicator does not encompass the broader socio-economic factors that significantly impact health outcomes, such as education, employment, and living conditions. As such, it should be considered alongside other data to provide a more comprehensive view of a population's health.