Health indicators are quantifiable characteristics of a population which researchers use as supporting evidence for describing the health of a population. Typically, researchers will use a survey methodology to gather information about a population sample, use statistics in an attempt to generalize the information collected to the entire population, and then use the statistical analysis to make a statement about the health of the population.[1] Health indicators are often used by governments to guide health care policy or to make goals for improving population health.[1]
A health indicator which will be used internationally to describe global health should have the following characteristics:
*This is not a comprehensive list of health indicators.
Health indicators are commonly used to make large-scale or community health-related decisions.[8] By describing the current health of a population, the areas that need improvement become evident, and policy-makers and health professionals can work to fill these gaps.[8][3] Once interventions are put in place to try to improve the health of a population, health indicators can then be used to evaluate the success of the intervention.[3]
Additionally, health indicators can highlight health disparities in a population.[3] Differences in health indicators among genders, races, ethnic groups, socioeconomic classes, and other groups can be used to guide policy and interventions that will bring health equity in the future.[3]
Health indicators are used by many institutions, including international organizations such as the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO).[9][10] They are also used by smaller-scale community health organizations, hospitals, and other medical and public health organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Institute of Health (NIH), The African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP), and Global Alliance for Africa.[10][11]
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