What are measures of mortality rate and their merit and demerits?
Measures of mortality rate provide important information about the number of deaths occurring in a specific population over a given period of time. There are several commonly used measures of mortality rate, each with its own merits and demerits. Let's explore some of them:
1. Crude Death Rate (CDR): The CDR is the most basic measure and is calculated by dividing the number of deaths in a population by the total population, usually expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 people. This measure allows for a simple comparison of mortality between different populations. However, it does not take into account the age distribution of the population and may be influenced by population size.
2. Age-Specific Death Rate (ASDR): ASDR is calculated by dividing the number of deaths in a specific age group by the population of that age group, often expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 people. This measure allows for a more detailed analysis of mortality patterns, particularly among different age groups or comparing different populations. However, it fails to provide an overall summary of mortality across all age groups.
3. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): IMR measures the number of deaths occurring in infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births. It is a vital indicator of a population's health and socioeconomic conditions, particularly with regard to maternal care and infant well-being. However, IMR alone may not capture mortality patterns beyond the first year of life.
4. Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): U5MR measures the number of deaths occurring in children under the age of five per 1,000 live births. Similar to IMR, it provides insight into child health, access to healthcare, and overall development indicators. It includes deaths in both infants and older children, but it doesn't provide information on mortality patterns among specific age groups.
5. Age-Standardized Death Rate (ASDR): ASDR takes into account the age structure of different populations, allowing for meaningful comparisons across populations with different age distributions. It is useful for comparing mortality rates between countries or regions. However, it may mask important differences within specific age groups.
Remember, to calculate these rates, one needs reliable data on the number of deaths and the corresponding populations at risk. It is important to use data from a reliable source, such as national or international vital statistics systems, to ensure accuracy and comparability across different measures and populations.