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Health Data & Statistics

Data, Statistics, and Health Indicators

Health research relies on accurate information, but understanding the difference between data, statistics, and health indicators is key to using that information effectively. This guide will:

  • Clarify the distinction between data, statistics, and  health indicators.
  • Identify trusted sources for both Canadian and global health data and statistics.
  • Show how visualization (e.g., charts, graphs, and infographics) can make complex health data and statistics easier to understand and communicate

 

Data

Data refers to raw facts or observations collected from surveys, experiments, or records.

  • It is unprocessed information: numbers, words, or responses t hat have not been analyzed or interpreted.
  • Data can be measured, collected, and analyzed, but by itself, it does not tell a story.

Example:
Survey responses asking: “Have you been diagnosed with diabetes?”
Responses:  Yes, No, Yes, Yes, No, No, Yes...

Why is it data?
It’s just individual answers, no calculations, no summaries.

Statistics

Statistics involve organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data to find patterns and meaning.

  • When data is processed, it becomes statistics.
  • Statistics help us understand trends, make decisions, and inform policy.

Example:
“9.7% of Canadians aged 1+ have diagnosed diabetes (2023–2024).”

Why is this a statistic?
It summarizes thousands of responses into a meaningful percentage.

Health Indicators

Standardized measures used to monitor and compare health status, determinants, and system performance across populations. Indicators often use statistics but are designed for benchmarking and policy.
 
Example:
  • Diabetes prevalence rate (percentage of population with diabetes).
  • Obesity rate, life expectancy, infant mortality rate, hospital readmission rate.

These indicators help governments and organizations track progress and set health priorities.

Working together

Data --> Statistics --> Health Indicators --> Insights

When data is analyzed into statistics and translated into health indicators, we gain actionable insights.
 

Example:

  • Raw Data: Survey responses (Yes/No for diabetes diagnosis)
  • Statistics: 9.7% of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes
  • Health Indicators:  Diabetes prevalence rate as an official health indicator tracked by WHO and provincial health agencies.
  • Insights:  The provincial government can expand health coverage for diabetes medications and supplies, prioritize prevention programs in regions with higher prevalence, and set measurable targets for reducing diabetes rates.