The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) introduced a new online tool on Tuesday that shows the most recent and complete data about various health indicators.
According to the INSPQ, chronic diseases occupy a large portion of the data with eight indicators out of 19.
Socio-economic conditions has three indicators, mental and psychosocial health, unintentional injuries and maternal and child health has two indicators each; and overall health and youth development each have one.
While some indicators, like suicide, are presented in a very detailed and comprehensive manner, others are presented in simpler terms.
The goal of this tool, said INSPQ coordinator Marie-Hélène Lussier, 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 tool, she assured, will make it possible to monitor the evolution of trends in Quebec and make comparisons between genders, age groups, regions of Quebec, and even with Canadian provinces, American states and other countries.
“It’s an achievement that is not common in the world to offer such a vast and popularized product,” said Lussier. “The nature of the information is also really unique. You don’t really find this data anywhere else.”
Although the INSPQ believes that the “The Public Health Indicator: reliable and relevant data on the state of health in Quebec” is intended for everyone, from university researchers to the public and the media, a correct interpretation of the data will not be within everyone’s reach.
“It’s certainly aimed at a more informed audience,” noted Lussier.
The next indicators to be added include 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 lifestyle habits, environmental health, occupational health, use of services and violence by 2027.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews