VITAL STATISTICS
Introduction.
Vital Statistics is defined as that branch of biometry which deals
with data and the laws of human mortality, morbidity and demography. The term
vital statistics refers to the numerical data or the techniques used in the
analysis of the data pertaining to vitals events occuring in the given section
of the population. By vital events we mean such events of human life as
fertility and mortality (births and deaths) marriage, divorce, separation,
adoptions, legitimations, etc. Sir Arthur Newsholme“
defines Vital Statistics as “the whole study of mankind as affected by heredity
or environment in so far as the results of this study can be arithmetically
stated”. According to him “Vital Statistics forms perhaps the most important
branch of Statistics as it deals with mankind in the aggregate. It is the science of numbers
applied to the life history of communities and nations.
Uses of Vital Statistics.
Vital statistics are being extensively used in
almost all the spheres of human
activity. We outline below some of the important application of vital
statistics.
1. Study of Population Trend. The vital statistics, as already pointed out,
reflect the changing pattern of the population of any region, community or
country in terms of the number of births, deaths and marriages. The division of
the population of different regions (or races) by birth and death rates enables
us to form some idea about the population trend of the regions or countries and the general standard
of living and virility of the races.
2. Use in Public Administration. The study of population movement, i.e.,
population estimation, population projections and. other allied studies
together with birth and death statistics according to 'age and sex
distributions provides any administration with fundamental tools which ‘are
indispensable for the overall planning and evaluation of economic and social
development programmes.
3. Mortality and natality statistics also provide guide
spots for use by the researchers in medical and pharmaceutical profession.
4. Use of Operating Agencies. The facts and figures relating to births,
deaths and marriages are of extreme importance to various official agencies for
a variety of administrative purposes. Mortality statistics serve as a guide -to
the health authorities for sanitary improvements, improved medical facilities
and public cleanliness. The data on the incidence of diseases, together with
the number of deaths by age and nature of diseases are of paramount importance
to health authorities in taking appropriate remedial action to prevent or control
the spread of the 'disease.
5. The whole of actuarial science, including life insurance is based on the
mortality or life tables. The vital records concerning all possible factors
contributing to deaths in various ages are indispensable tool in all life insurance
schemes .
912. Methods of Obtaining Vital
Statistics. The vital statistics data are usually obtained by the following
methods.
1. Registration Method. The most important source of obtaining vital
statistics data is the registration method which consists in continuous and
permanent recording of vital events pertaining to births, deaths, marriages,
migration, etc. These, data in addition to their statistical utility also have
their' value as legal documents. Registration of births provide information on
place of birth, sex, age and religion of the parents," legitimacy, number
of previous issues and their sexes, father’s occupation and birth place of
parents. Similarly death registration furnishes information on place of death,
sex, age, marital status, number of issues, birth place, occupation and cause
of death. Similar information is also obtained with respect to marriages and
migrants.
Many countries require compulsory registration
of births and deaths under the law. For example, every new birth has 'to be
reported to thc authorities along with the information as given above.
Similarly the death of a person is automatically recorded since the disposal of
the body requires
an appropriate death certificate from the authorities.
2. Census Method. Almost in all the countries all over the world_ population census
is conducted at regular intervals of time, usually ten .years. Census consists
of complete enumeration of the population of the particular area under study
and collecting information from individuals regarding age, sex, marital.
status, occupation, religion and other economic and social charactenstics.
The
main drawback of the census method is that it provides vital statiitics only
for the census years and fails to give any information about the vital events
in the intercensal period.
Thank you
Tajamul Islam
May
Subscribe Channel Also
