Health statistics are numbers that summarize information about health. Researchers and experts in government, private companies and nonprofit organizations collect them to learn about public health and health care.
What they cover
| Kind of statistic | Example |
|---|---|
| How common a disease is | How many people in the country have it, or how many got it over a certain period |
| Differences between groups | Disease rates by place, race, ethnic group, sex, age, occupation, income or education — which can reveal health disparities |
| Treatment | Whether a treatment is safe and effective |
| Vital statistics | Numbers of births and deaths |
| Access to care | How many people can get and use health care |
| The health system | Quality and efficiency of care |
| Costs | What government, employers and individuals pay for health care, and how poor health affects the economy |
| Policy | How government programs and policies affect health |
| Risk factors | For example, how air pollution raises the risk of lung disease |
| Prevention | For example, how exercise and weight loss lower the risk of type 2 diabetes |
Reading them critically
Numbers on a graph or chart can look straightforward, but they aren't always. Consider the source, think critically about what you're seeing, and, if needed, ask questions to understand what the statistics actually show.
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Health Statistics," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
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