Using the World Health Statistics from 2012 (https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44844), choose 1 country, and analyze its health trends based on the information provided, using your readings to support your reasons for focusing on specific data and information, as well as the relevance to the country context. Explain why the statistics that you chose to analyze are adequate indicators of health, health care, or the needs of the country in the health sector.
In addition, be sure to note where information (type, and relevance) is missing that could create a much stronger analysis.
Your Discussion should be 3-4 paragraphs in length, detailing your thoughts and position using 2-3 readings references for support. Also be sure to pose 1-2 well thought out questions from which your colleagues can formulate a response or generate further discussion.
1. Choose 1 country, and analyze its health trends based on the information provided, using your readings to support your reasons for focusing on specific data and information, as well as the relevance to the country context. Explain why the statistics that you chose to analyze are adequate indicators of health, health care, or the needs of the country in the health sector.
I will choose Japan and analyze Japanese health trends in my discussion post. I used 3 data, and I will explain why I used those data and how I could evaluate Japanese health trends.
・The under-five mortality and the maternal mortality ratio
The reason I decided to use this data is that it is a measure of how good a country's healthcare is and how well it is covered in various regions of the country. According to WHO data, AARD (%) in the under-five mortality rate in Japan was 3%, and the maternal mortality ratio was 5 in 2010 (World Health Organization, 2012). Japan has very low maternal and under-five mortality rates compared to other countries. This means that Japan has a well-organized environment and medical system that protects pregnant women and vulnerable people under the age of five, while at the same time benefiting many people regardless of their economic situation or social class.
・Total health expenditure per capita and Out-of-pocket health expenditure as a proportion of total health expenditure
In Japan, total health expenditure per capita in 2009 was 3,754 USD, and out-of-pocket health expenditure as a proportion of total health expenditure was 15% (World Health Organization, 2012). Higher health expenditure per capita and lower out-of-pocket health expenditure as a proportion of total health expenditure mean more people get the care they deserve even if people are not financially well off.
・The Life expectancy
Life expectancy can measure how well people in a country are protected from various diseases and receive appropriate treatment. The life expectancy of Japanese people in 2009 was 80 years old in males, and 86 years old in females (World Health Organization, 2012). As of 2009, Japan has likely the longest life expectancy in the world, and at the same time, it can be said that it has one of the highest levels of medical care in the world.
2. In addition, be sure to note where information (type, and relevance) is missing that could create a much stronger analysis.
These three data can evaluate Japan's high medical standards and diffusion rate, but these cannot assess elements such as infrastructure environment, social system, and education related to people's health. I think I can create a much stronger analysis by adding data about social institutions, such as national health insurance or compulsory education.
Questions
・What do you think is the most appropriate data to assess the standard of medical care in your country?
・What causes high or low general health in your country?
Thank you for reading! (481 words)
References
World Health Organization. (2012). World health statistics 2012. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44844
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