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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

Child and Adolescent Health

The WHO Europe Child and Adolescent Health Database (CAHD) provides a set of statistics based on indicators related to the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The statistics were collated from a variety of databases as a joint effort between WHO program divisions and collaborating centres and partners. The database was constructed for the purpose of supporting the Child and Adolescent Health and Development Strategy (2015), providing the relevant information for monitoring progress on child and adolescent health indicators in the 53 member states of the WHO European Region.

Indicator notes

Probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births
Indicator code: E060401.T

Number of deaths per 1000 live births until 5 years of age. Taken from appropriate cell of life table (as a by-product of life expectancy calculation), i.e. (1-L5 probability to survive by 5)*1000.

Unfortunately, some countries can not ensure complete registration of all death cases and births. Therefore, under-5 mortality rates calculated using incomplete mortality data are lower than they actually are and inter-country comparisons should be treated with caution.

Particularly high levels of mortality under- registration are observed in countries of central Asia and Caucasus, and in some countries of the former Yugoslavia and Albania. See indicator No.1073 060410 which contains different estimates for the same indicator based on other sources and special methods._

Country/Area notes

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: 2011 Istanbul University, Marmara University, Yildirim Beyazit University ?Infant and
Under-5 Mortality Study 2012?
Previous years Public Health Institution of Turkey

General notes

Understanding the Probability of Dying Before Age 5 Per 1000 Live Births

The indicator "Probability of Dying Before Age 5 Per 1000 Live Births" serves as a critical measure in public health, reflecting the overall health status of a community and the effectiveness of health systems. This statistic not only highlights the mortality rates of children under five but also helps in understanding the broader socio-economic environment, including access to medical care, nutritional status, and the impact of public health policies. By monitoring this rate, health organizations and governments can better allocate resources, improve health services, and implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing child mortality rates, thereby ensuring a healthier future generation.

How to Calculate the Probability of Dying Before Age 5 Per 1000 Live Births

To calculate the probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births, health statisticians use a formula that incorporates the number of deaths of children under five years old within a given year divided by the number of live births in the same year, then multiplied by 1000. This calculation provides a mortality rate that is crucial for assessing the health outcomes of the youngest population. Accurate data collection from birth and death registries is essential for this calculation, ensuring that each child's birth and death is accounted for. This metric is vital for understanding health disparities and targeting health interventions effectively.

The Importance of Monitoring Child Mortality Rates

Tracking the probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births is vital for assessing public health progress and challenges. This indicator not only reflects the direct health outcomes for children but also serves as a proxy for understanding broader health determinants such as maternal health, quality of healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and public health practices. Lower child mortality rates are often indicative of effective healthcare systems and higher living standards, whereas higher rates may signal the need for urgent health interventions and policy adjustments.

Strengths and Limitations of Child Mortality Rates as an Indicator

While the probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births is a valuable health indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that need careful consideration.

Strengths

This indicator is universally recognized and standardized, making it a reliable metric for international health comparisons and trend analysis. It is instrumental in mobilizing political commitment and resources towards child health, influencing global health policies and funding. Additionally, it helps in identifying successful health interventions and practices that can be modeled in other regions.

Limitations

However, the accuracy of this indicator heavily depends on the quality of vital registration systems. In regions where birth and death registration is incomplete or inaccurate, the data may not truly reflect the reality, thus misleading policymakers and health practitioners. Moreover, this indicator does not capture the morbidity or the quality of life of survivors, which are also crucial for assessing child health. It also overlooks the disparities within countries, such as between rural and urban areas or different socioeconomic groups, which could be critical for targeted health interventions.

Understanding these strengths and limitations is essential for effectively using this indicator to improve child health outcomes and reduce disparities in global health.