Chronic diseases occupy the lion’s share, with eight indicators out of a total of nineteen. This is followed by socio-economic conditions, with three indicators; mental and psychosocial health, unintentional injuries and maternal and child health with two indicators each; and overall health and youth development with one indicator each.
While some indicators, such as suicide, are presented in a very detailed and comprehensive manner, others are presented in a much more summary manner.
“Transparency approach”
The goal of this tool, said Marie-Hélène Lussier, who is coordinator – Web dissemination of health status data at the INSPQ, is to “continue the process of transparency and democratization of data that was started during the pandemic.”
“We want to equip the population and public health stakeholders by offering them this product that is derived from the best epidemiological knowledge,” she said. “We are disseminating the most recent data that will be updated regularly and we will have updates based on data sources, among other things through the automation of certain processes.”
The skills acquired in visual design and web development during the creation of the COVID data pages also greatly contributed to the development of the Public Health Indicator, added Ms. Lussier.
The tool, she assured, will make it possible to monitor the evolution of trends in Quebec and to make comparisons between sexes, age groups, regions of Quebec, and even with Canadian provinces, American states and other countries.
“It’s an achievement that is really not very common in the world to offer such a vast and popularized product,” said Ms. Lussier. “The nature of the information is also really unique. You don’t really find this data anywhere else.”
That being said, even if the INSPQ believes that the tool “The Public Health Indicator: reliable and relevant data on the state of health in Quebec” is intended for everyone, from university researchers to the general public and the media, it is clear that a correct interpretation of the data presented will not be within everyone’s reach.
“It’s certainly aimed at a more informed audience,” admitted Ms. Lussier.
The next indicators to be added to the tool are mortality from falls among seniors, prevalence of ADHD, prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, and mortality from influenza and pneumonia.
The INSPQ also intends to develop, by 2027, lifestyle habits, environmental health, occupational health, use of services and violence.
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