Lecture Notes: Health Indicators
Prof. Neki Soriano – Preventive Medicine
I. Definition of Health Indicators
Quantitative measures used to describe population health and well-being.
WHO definition: standardized metrics to evaluate health trends, disparities, and
healthcare systems globally.
Purpose: ensure consistency in data collection, interpretation, and cross-country
comparison.
II. Purpose of Health Indicators
Monitoring progress – track improvements/declines in health status over time.
Guiding policymaking – inform programs, resource allocation, and interventions.
Promoting accountability – transparency in evaluating health initiatives.
Identifying priorities – highlight urgent issues (e.g., outbreaks, inequalities).
III. Examples of Key Health Indicators
Life expectancy – average years expected to live, reflects health & access.
Disease prevalence – # of people affected by diseases (e.g., diabetes, HIV).
Vaccination coverage – % immunized; monitors herd immunity.
Infant mortality rate – deaths of <1 year olds per 1,000 live births.
IV. Data Collection & Management
A. Methods
Surveys – questionnaires on water, disease prevalence, etc.
Census – comprehensive demographic & health data.
Health records – routine documentation by providers.
B. Data Storage & Cleaning
Secure storage – encrypted databases, confidentiality.
Data cleaning – remove duplicates, correct errors, standardize format.
Pre-analysis checks – completeness & consistency validation.
C. Quality Control
Training programs – reduce reporting errors.
Standardized protocols – uniform methods for comparability.
Random audits – spot-check accuracy of collected data.
V. Why Health Indicators Are Gathered
Resource allocation – direct funding to greatest needs.
Policy development & evaluation – evidence-based health programs.
Monitoring progress – track SDGs and global health commitments.
Identifying inequities – highlight disparities by population, region, or social
determinants (education, housing, employment).
VI. Presentation & Usage of Data
A. Data Analysis Techniques
Statistical methods – descriptive & inferential.
Stratification – by age, sex, income, geography.
Comparative assessment – benchmarking vs. standards or trends.
B. Communication to Stakeholders
Targeted reporting – policy briefs, dashboards.
Visual tools – charts, maps, infographics.
Collaborative forums – workshops for shared understanding.
C. Implementation Across Countries
Standardized frameworks – e.g., ISO, WHO.
Capacity building – train personnel in health monitoring tools.
Policy integration – align national strategies with measurable outcomes.
