In a district, 26 percent of the population is aged below 15 years, 7 percent is aged 65 years and above, and the remaining 67 percent lies between these ages. What is the dependency ratio of this district?
- A Approximately 39 dependents per 100 working-age persons
- B Approximately 49 dependents per 100 working-age persons ✓
- C Approximately 67 dependents per 100 working-age persons
- D Approximately 33 dependents per 100 total population
Correct answer: B. Approximately 49 dependents per 100 working-age persons
Explanation
The dependency ratio equals the dependent population (aged below 15 plus aged 65 and above) divided by the economically productive age group (15 to 64 years), multiplied by 100. Here it is (26 plus 7) divided by 67, multiplied by 100, giving approximately 49. Option A results if only the elderly are counted as dependents, and option D wrongly uses the total population as the denominator.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 25th ed.
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