Defining and Measuring Population Health, in Comparative Perspective

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to defining and measuring population health, focusing on health concepts, metrics, and disparities.

Health

The state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO 1948).

Inequity

Differences that are unnecessary and avoidable, and are considered unfair and unjust (Whitehead 1992).

Gini coefficient

A measure of income inequality ranging from 0 (complete equality) to 1 (complete inequality).

Life expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live based on current mortality rates.

Infant mortality rate (IMR)

The estimated share of newborns who die before they are one year old.

Epidemiological transition

The shift from deaths primarily caused by infectious diseases to those caused by chronic diseases as a country develops.

Chronic diseases

Health problems that persist over time, often associated with aging and lifestyle, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Comparative perspective

The practice of comparing health outcomes and statistics among different populations or countries.

Health disparities

Differences in health outcomes that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantages.

First World vs. Third World

Outdated terms used to classify countries into developed and developing categories, with the 'second world' historically referring to communist countries.