Demographic and health indicators as predictors of life expectancy in African countries: Implications for population education and health promotion in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was meant to analyse the relationship between vital statistics and life expectancy as measure of population control and welfare of citizenry in African countries and lessons Nigeria could draw from it. Thirty-one African countries were sampled for the study using data sourced from UNICEF-vital statistics (2010). Two hypotheses were tested and it was found that although there was negative correlation between demographic variables and life expectancy, demographic variables were not predictor of life expectancy. Although, environment/preventive health variables were collectively predictors of life expectancy, individually they were not. Nigeria should draw lessons on reducing under 5 and infant mortality, continuous improvement on water, sanitation, expanded programme on immunization and increase use of treated mosquito net to improve life expectancy.

Key Words: Demography, Life Expectancy, Health Education.