ERROR ASSESSMENT IN THE APPLICATION OF FOREIGN LIFE TABLES IN GHANA AND COMPETING RISK ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT

The application of foreign life table in Sub-Sahara Africa had been a major concern all over the world. However, assessing the error for applying the foreign life tables as well as analysing the impact of the leading causes of death on Ghanaian longevity had not been studied. This study aimed at assessing the error of applying Foreign Life Tables in Ghana and analysing the impacts of the leading causes of death in Ghana. A cohort data of 3260 were collected from the University of Ghana Hospital and the causes of death and the gender of each respondent were recorded. The study revealed that Ghanaians life expectancy at birth is 51.25 (combined sex), 49.51 years for male and 53.38 for females. Using UK, USA and South African life tables, the study found out the error obtained from applying South African life table is small relative to other foreign life tables but were significantly different from the Ghana life table. The mortality of males was greater than the females in most ages. The study also found out that cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS were the leading causes of death in Ghana. It was revealed that the life expectancy of Ghanaians will increase by 16.021% and 17.587% for males and females respectively, if cardiovascular disease is eliminated in the population. The study recommended that there is a need to construct a life table for Ghana and the Government of Ghana and other agencies should create awareness on cardiovascular diseases and HIV/AIDS.