Using Indepthstats to Analyse Mortality Trends in Children and Young Adults in Three Rural Regions of Ghana

Osman Sankoh, INDEPTH Network
Samuel Bosomprah, University of Ghana

Though children, adolescents and young adults aged 1-24 represent about half of the world population, less is known about their health, including their mortality. This study examines trends in mortality of people mortality trends in people aged 1-24 in three rural areas of Ghana (Dodowa, Kintampo and Navrongo). The study relies on data from INDEPTHStats database. Findings from and Poisson’s regression models revealed a substantial decline in child mortality (1-4) between 2005 and 2010. By contrast, improvements in mortality in young adults (20-24 years) were much lower. Young children (1-4 years) benefited most from the epidemiological transition and efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 4, where adolescent might face HIV/AIDS and injury challenges.