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Standard Populations

There are two methods of standardising: direct and indirect.

Both methods rely upon reference to a single standard population, which has a known population structure (in the case of direct standardisation) or known age-specific rates (in the case of indirect standardisation). The choice of standard population is important, as it influences the standardised rates or ratios obtained.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Source http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
Author Geography, Population and Deprivation Team
Last Updated June 30, 2021, 09:49 (BST)
Created April 5, 2018, 15:23 (BST)
Contact Address Public Health Scotland, Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9EB
Subject Reference data
Frequency Ad hoc, as standard populations are updated
Time frame of data and timeliness The latest publication is up to 2013
Coverage Standard Populations to regulate comparisons and ratios
Completeness 100%
Accuracy 100%
Continuity of data The European Standard Population (ESP) was originally introduced in 1976. The statistical institute of the European Union, Eurostat has recognised that there was a need to bring this population structure up to date in order to reflect changes in population. Following discussion with member states, a new ESP (ESP2013) has been created which is based on an average of states' population projections for 2011 - 2030. Statistics providers across the UK, including ISD, will start to use ESP2013 from January 2014.
Concepts and definitions Standard Populations are used to regulate comparisons and ratios in areas with different populations
Disclosure No disclosure has been applied
Revision statement No revisions have been applied
Official statistics designation National Statistics
Relevance and key uses of the statistics For users who want to standardise the rates or ratios in areas with different populations
Format csv
Language English
Links

For more information on Standard Populations, see the ISD website