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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), females
Indicator code: E060202.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 15 for Females

Life expectancy at age 15 for females is a critical demographic indicator that provides insights into the expected number of years a 15-year-old girl is projected to live, assuming that current mortality rates remain constant throughout her life. This statistic is not merely a measure of longevity but also reflects the overall health and socio-economic conditions prevailing in a region. It helps in understanding the impact of healthcare policies, lifestyle choices, and social factors on the female segment of the population. By analyzing this data, policymakers and health organizations can better tailor their strategies to improve women's health outcomes and address specific challenges faced by this demographic group.

The Importance of Life Expectancy at Age 15 for Females

Life expectancy at age 15 for females is a vital statistic for gauging the effectiveness of health interventions targeted at young women. This measure helps identify disparities in health outcomes among different communities or regions, guiding targeted health programs and policies. It also serves as an indicator of the quality of life and the potential for economic contribution by the female population. Understanding these figures is crucial for governments and organizations in planning educational programs, reproductive health services, and other social services aimed at improving the lives of young women.

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

While life expectancy at age 15 for females is a valuable demographic tool, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that need careful consideration.

Strengths

This indicator is instrumental in providing a standardized measure to compare the health status of females across different geographical and temporal contexts. It allows for the assessment of long-term trends in health and the effectiveness of public health policies. Moreover, life expectancy figures are crucial for planning in sectors like insurance, pension schemes, and health care, where understanding the longevity of the population is essential for economic sustainability.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at age 15 for females relies heavily on the accuracy and availability of mortality data, which can vary significantly between regions. In areas with poor health reporting systems, these estimates may be less reliable. Additionally, life expectancy does not account for the quality of life or the years lived with disability or disease, which can provide a skewed perception of actual health conditions. It also fails to capture the rapid changes in mortality trends due to epidemics or health interventions that can occur within short periods.

Overall, while life expectancy at age 15 for females is a powerful indicator for understanding and improving the health of young women, it should be interpreted with an awareness of its broader context and inherent limitations. By complementing this data with other health indicators and qualitative assessments, a more comprehensive picture of female health and well-being can be achieved.