Abstract
Background and Objectives: World Health Organization (WHO) determined life expectancy (LE) and disability adjusted life expectancy (DALE) as two main indicators of health status in 2000. LE consists of life years with various health states. DALE is a summary measure of the population health indicating mortality and disability outcomes of diseases in a number. This study was conducted to calculate the LE and DALE in East Azerbaijan.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed based on the population data of 2006 census and mortality data of 2007. The mortality data were derived from causal death registration system of East Azerbaijan. To estimate the LE, abridged period life table was used. DALE was calculated using Sullivan method and adjusted life tables.
Results: LE at birth was 72.57 years in both genders; 70.43 years in male and 74.13 years in females. DALE at birth was 62.59 in both genders; 60.85 and 63.83 in males and females, respectively.
Conclusion: LE and DALE are two main indicators of health status designed by WHO for health systems performance evaluation. Appropriate framework should be prepared to determine regional burden of diseases by establishment of mortality and morbidity registry system.