Characteristics of health indicators

In order to select the best health indicators, it is necessary to understand its characteristics (pros and disadvantages).
In this article, I would like to mention the characteristics of the typical health indicators.

The number of deaths in a region divided by the population of the region. It is often indicated by a population of 100,000.

• Pros: It is easy to find.
• Problems: It is not suitable for comparison between regions of different age structures.
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of deaths, population

Mortality rate adjusted by age structure so that mortality conditions can be compared between regions with different age structures. Calculated by dividing the number of deaths calculated from the "mortality rate by age group" and "1985 model population (both men and women)" in the area by the "1985 model population".

• Pros: Comparison between regions with different age structures.
  You can see the ageing change.
• Problems: Detailed data is required (number of deaths and population by gender and age group in each region).
  If the population and death numbers are small, they are susceptible to accidental errors.
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of deaths by gender and age group, population by gender and age group, and 1985 model population

An index that adjusts the age structure so that mortality can be compared between regions with different age compositions. Calculate the "expected deaths" from the "mortality rate by age group of the reference population" and the "population of the area", and take the ratio to the "actual number of deaths actually observed" in the area.

• Pros: Comparison between regions with different age structures.
  No detailed data is required (if you know the total number of deaths in the area).
• Problems: It is not suitable for looking at aging.
  (Because the information of the reference group differs depending on the time when the SMR is sought.)
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of deaths by gender and age group, mortality rate by sex and age group of standard population

The value obtained by adding the number of deaths for those who died younger than the base age (65 years old or average life expectancy) and the number of years lost to the base age. In order to exclude the impact of the population, the value divided by the population (PYLL rate) is sometimes evaluated.

• Pros: We can see the loss of society that young age groups die.
• Problems: It is not suitable for comparison between regions of different age structures.
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of deaths by gender and age group, population by gender and age group

An indicator of how many years each age group can live, assuming that the mortality rate for a certain period of time will continue. It can be obtained from the life table.

• Pros: It can also be compared between regions with different age structures.
  The average life expectancy of 0 years (average life expectancy) is aggregate the death status of all ages.
  It can be used as a comprehensive indicator of health, medical care and welfare.
• Problems: When the number of deaths is significantly different from normal due to a disaster, etc., is used.
  The actual situation may not be reflected.
  The calculation is tedious.
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of deaths by gender and age group, population by gender and age group, and existing life tables

An index that estimates how the future population and their age structure will change, assuming that population changes due to birth and death will remain the same as the current situation. There are two methods of obtaining are the "cohort change rate method" and "cohort factor method".

• Pros: Changes in population over time.
• Problems: If the population changes significantly due to a disaster, such as a disaster, it will not be available.
  In the case of the cohort factor method, the calculation is tedious.

The number of births in a region divided by the population of the region. It is often indicated by a population of 1,000.

• Pros: You can see the ageing change.
  In combination with the gross mortality rate, natural population growth rate can be calculated.
• Problems: The effects of gender and age are not considered.
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of Births and Population

Based on the assumption that the birth rate for women aged 15 to 49 are calculated by age group, assuming that the birth rate for a certain period of time will remain unchanged. Indicates the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime.

• Pros: You can see the ageing change.
  We can estimate the increase or decrease in population due to birth between regions of different age structures.
• Problems: If the lifestyle (the time of birth) is different from generation to generation.
  The actual situation may not be reflected.
• Required Statistical Materials: Number of births by age group, population by gender and age group