Which indicators should be examined to measure the health status of a population?

To measure the health status of a population effectively, life expectancy and infant mortality rate are critical indicators due to their direct correlation with overall health outcomes. Life expectancy provides insight into the average duration a population can expect to live, reflecting various factors such as healthcare access, nutrition, and overall living conditions. A higher life expectancy generally indicates better health status and effective healthcare systems.

The infant mortality rate is another crucial indicator as it represents the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births. This statistic is sensitive to the health conditions of a population and the effectiveness of maternal and child health services. A low infant mortality rate typically suggests strong healthcare interventions and support for mothers and newborns, thereby reflecting positively on overall health status.

Examining these two indicators together provides a comprehensive overview of both long-term health outcomes and immediate welfare of the most vulnerable population group—infants—making them essential for understanding the overall health status of a population.