Characteristics of Health Indicators

In order to select the optimal health index, it is necessary to understand its characteristics (pros and cons).
Here, I would like to mention the characteristics of typical health indicators.

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

• Goods: It's easy to use.
• Shorts: It is not suitable for comparison between regions with different age structures.
• Required statistical data: Number of Deaths, Population

Mortality rate adjusted for age structure so that death status can be compared between regions with different age structures. The number of deaths calculated from the "age mortality rate by age class" and "model population in 1985 (common gender equality)" divided by "model population in 1985".

• Goods: It is possible to compare regions with different age structures.
  You can see the changes over time.
• Shorts: Detailed data is required (the number of deaths and population by gender and age group by region).
  If the population and the number of deaths are small, it is susceptible to accidental error.
• Required statistical data: Number of deaths by sex and age group, population by gender and age group, model population by 1985

An index that adjusts the age structure so that death status can be compared between regions with different age structures. Calculate the “mortality rate by age class of the standard population” and the “expected number of deaths” from the “population of the region” and compare the “actually observed number of deaths” in that region.

• Goods: It is possible to compare regions with different age structures.
  No detailed data is required (the total number of deaths in the area should be known).
• Shorts: 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 data: Number of deaths by sex and age group, and mortality by gender and age group of standard groups

A value obtained by adding the number of dead people who died younger than the reference age (using 65 years or average life expectancy) to the reference age, or the number of years lost. In order to exclude the impact of population, we may evaluate the value divided by population (PYLL rate).

• Goods: We can see the loss of the young age group to society.
• Shorts: It is not suitable for comparison between regions with different age structures.
• Required statistical data: Number of deaths by sex / age group, population by gender / age group

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

• Goods: It can also be compared between regions with different age structures.
  The average life expectancy of 0 years (average life expectancy) is a summary of the death status of all ages.
  It can be used as a comprehensive indicator of health care and welfare.
• Shorts: When the mortality rate is used when the number of fatalities is significantly different from normal due to a disaster, etc.
  It may not reflect the actual situation.
  The calculation is troublesome.
• Required statistical data: Number of deaths by sex / age group, population by gender / age group, existing life table

An index that estimates how the future population and its age structure will change, assuming that population changes due to birth and death will remain unchanged from the current situation. There are two ways to seek: "cohort change rate method" and "cohort factor method".

• Goods: It is possible to predict changes in population over time.
• Shorts: If the population changes significantly, such as a disaster, it becomes unavailable.
  In the case of the cohort factor method, the calculation is troublesome.

A value obtained by dividing the number of births in a region by the population of that region. It is often shown in population units.

• Goods: You can see the changes over time.
  The natural population growth rate can be obtained in combination with gross mortality.
• Shorts: The effects of gender and age are not considered.
• Required statistical data: Number of Births, Population

Assuming that the birth rate for a certain period will continue, the birth rate for women aged 15 to 49 is calculated and added by age group. Indicates the average number of children a woman has in a lifetime.

• Goods: You can see the changes over time.
  It is possible to estimate the increase or decrease in population due to birth among regions with different age structures.
• Shorts: When the lifestyle (when a child is born) differs from generation to generation.
  It may not reflect the actual situation.
• Required statistical data: Number of births by age group, population by gender and age group