Probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births, females

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

Probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births, females
Indicator code: E060401.F This indicator shares the definition with the parent indicator \"Probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births\".

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, Females

The indicator "Probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births, females" provides a critical measure of child health and survival in various regions and countries. It reflects the number of female children who die before reaching their fifth birthday, per 1000 live female births recorded. This statistic is not merely a measure of child mortality but also a lens through which the effectiveness of healthcare systems, socio-economic conditions, and public health policies can be evaluated. By monitoring this indicator, stakeholders can identify priority areas that require targeted interventions to improve child health and overall societal well-being.

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

To calculate the probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births for females, demographers use a formula that incorporates the total number of female child deaths recorded before the age of five within a given year, divided by the total number of female live births during the same year, then multiplied by 1000. This calculation provides a mortality rate specific to female children under five, offering insights into the health challenges and risks this demographic faces. Accurate data collection from birth and death registries is crucial for this calculation, ensuring that health policies and programs can be effectively tailored to address the needs of this vulnerable population segment.

The Importance of Monitoring Child Mortality in Females

Tracking the probability of dying before age 5 per 1000 live births in females is vital for assessing the health status of a community and the effectiveness of its maternal and child health services. This indicator helps public health officials to pinpoint disparities in health outcomes between genders and among different socio-economic groups. Additionally, it aids in the evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing child mortality, such as vaccination programs, nutritional support, and maternal education, thereby facilitating more informed policy-making and resource allocation to improve child survival rates.

Strengths and Limitations of the Child Mortality Rate Indicator

While the child mortality rate is a valuable indicator for public health monitoring, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that must be considered.

Strengths

This indicator is universally recognized and standardized, allowing for consistent tracking and comparison across different regions and time periods. It is instrumental in assessing the progress towards international health targets, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to child health and survival. The data derived from this indicator can also guide the allocation of healthcare resources and the implementation of targeted health interventions, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for children.

Limitations

However, the reliability of this indicator heavily depends on the quality and completeness of vital registration systems. In regions where birth and death registration is incomplete or inaccurate, the data may not truly reflect the actual child mortality rates. Moreover, this indicator does not account for the impact of seasonal variations or short-term events that might affect child mortality rates, such as epidemics or natural disasters. As such, while it is a useful tool for long-term planning and evaluation, it may not effectively capture immediate health crises or the impact of temporary health interventions.

Understanding both the strengths and limitations of this indicator is crucial for its effective use in public health planning and policy-making, ensuring that efforts to reduce child mortality are based on accurate and meaningful data.