Uses of Vital Statistics in Public Health

Vital statistics are, well, vital to public health. Vital statistics include information on births, deaths and a lot of health information generated in between. Before public health officials can know what the needs of a population are and how to address them, they must have data on the prevalence of disease and major health issues. Most national governments by law mandate the collection of vital statistics.

Vital Statistics Guide Public Health Programs

• In some countries, the main health problem is malaria. In more developed countries, the major health concern might be obesity and diabetes. In countries with aging populations, the main health concern might be the rapidly increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Vital statistics allow public health officials to target their populations and develop effective interventions, as accurately and economically as possible.

  In addition, vital statistics, such as those relating to job accidents, incidents of asthma and lead poisoning, are used to more effectively monitor environmental health concerns as well as workplace safety.

Vital Statistics Guide Research Priorities

• Vital Statistics on Diseases Influence the Focus of Health Research

  Health and medical research is expensive. Today most of it is funded by the national government, private foundations and pharmaceutical companies. Priorities for this research are set by the information revealed in statistical data on deaths by specific diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and the underlying causes of those diseases or conditions.

  Vital statistics can rapidly change the focus of research priorities. For example, several decades ago there was an abrupt change in focus toward AIDS research. More recently, there has been an increase in the number of clinical trials and studies relating to the cause and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. New data on ballooning obesity rates underscore the need for a greater focus on treatment and prevention of this health problem.

Vital Statistics Provide Guidance during Health Emergencies

• Whether it be a cholera epidemic in a developing country or the spread of a flu or virus in a developed country, vital statistics are crucial. Health data available before an outbreak as well as information reported by hospitals and other agencies during the emergency allow for a more targeted and timely response. This is particularly important if large segments of the population are extremely young or frail.