What are health indicators primarily used for?

Health indicators are crucial for assessing the overall well-being of a population. They provide measurable data that allow public health officials and policymakers to identify the current health status of a community, track changes over time, and set achievable health improvement goals. These indicators encompass a variety of metrics, including rates of disease prevalence, health behaviors, access to care, and outcomes of healthcare interventions.

The use of health indicators helps to pinpoint specific health issues within a community, thereby focusing resources and interventions where they are most needed. They serve as a foundational tool for evaluating the effectiveness of health policies and programs, making it possible to enhance community health systematically. By establishing clear targets based on these indicators, stakeholders can work toward measurable improvements in public health.