KTISTAKI ELENI, Group 7

Introduction

Public health indicators are specific measures that are used to track and evaluate various
aspects of health within a community or population. One of the primary uses of public
health indicators is to assess the overall health status of a population and to identify areas
where intervention may be necessary to improve health outcomes. By analyzing these
indicators, administrators and public health professionals can make informed decisions
about how to distribute resources and develop effective health programs and policies
(McDonald et all., 2023).

In terms of specific public health indicators, some of the most commonly tracked
measures include infant mortality rates, life expectancy, prevalence of chronic diseases,
morbidity and mortality rates, incidence, natality and rates of infectious diseases. Other
indicators may include factors such as obesity rates, tobacco and alcohol use,
environmental factors, and access to healthcare services ( Kumar, 2022)

It is important to note that while these indicators provide valuable insight into the health
status of a population, they should not be analyzed in isolation. Rather, they should be
considered within the broader context of the social, economic, and environmental factors
that can impact health outcomes. As noted by the World Health Organization (WHO),
"health is determined by a range of factors that extend beyond the healthcare sector and
include social, economic, and environmental determinants of health" (WHO, 2021).

Infant mortality rate (IMR)

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is a critical public health indicator that measures the number
of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births. It is an important measure
of the overall health and well-being of a population and can be influenced by a range of
factors, including maternal health, access to healthcare services, and socioeconomic
conditions. In Greece, the infant mortality rate has been declining steadily over the past
few decades, but there are still disparities in IMR between different regions and
socioeconomic groups.

According to data from the World Bank, the infant mortality rate in Greece was 2.8 per
1,000 live births in 2020, down from 5.5 per 1,000 live births in 2000 (World Bank,
2021). This decline is a result of various interventions that have been implemented in
Greece to improve maternal and child health. These interventions include programs to
improve prenatal care, education on proper infant feeding practices, and initiatives to
increase access to healthcare services.

However, despite this positive trend, disparities in IMR still exist between different
regions and socioeconomic groups in Greece. A study found that infant mortality rates
were significantly higher in regions with lower levels of education and income, as well as
in areas with higher levels of pollution. This suggests that social, economic, and
environmental factors are important determinants of infant mortality in Greece.
(Karamanou et al., 2019)

To address these disparities, Greece has implemented a range of public health

interventions aimed at improving maternal and child health. For example, the National
Program for the Prevention of Perinatal Mortality was launched in 2008 and aimed to
reduce infant mortality rates by improving the quality of perinatal care in Greece. This
program included initiatives to improve prenatal care, reduce maternal smoking and
alcohol consumption, and increase access to healthcare services (Karamanou et al.,
2019).

In addition, Greece has implemented initiatives to reduce air pollution, which has been
linked to higher rates of infant mortality. A study conducted by Koukouli et al. (2020)
found that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy was associated with an increased
risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, which are risk factors for infant mortality. To
address this issue, Greece has implemented a range of policies aimed at reducing air
pollution, including restrictions on the use of diesel vehicles and measures to reduce
emissions from industry and power plants (European Environment Agency, 2021).

Despite these interventions, disparities in IMR between different regions and

socioeconomic groups persist in Greece. A study conducted by Zavras et al. (2019) found
that IMR was significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, and that infants
born to mothers with lower levels of education and income were at a higher risk of
mortality. This suggests that addressing socioeconomic disparities and improving access
to healthcare services in underserved areas may be important strategies for reducing IMR
in Greece.

Additionally, one of the major contributors to infant mortality in Greece is premature

births. In 2019, the percentage of premature births in Greece was 6.8%, which is higher
than the EU average of 5.7% (Eurostat, 2021). Premature infants are at higher risk of
health complications and death due to their underdeveloped organs and immune systems,
making it crucial to reduce premature births in Greece.

To address these issues, the Greek government has implemented various policies and
initiatives to improve infant health outcomes. One such initiative is the National
Breastfeeding Committee, which aims to promote breastfeeding as a way to improve
infant health and reduce infant mortality rates (World Health Organization, 2021).
Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for infants, including improved
immunity and reduced risk of infections, which can contribute to lower infant mortality
rates.

Moreover, the government has also invested in improving access to prenatal and
postnatal care for pregnant women and new mothers. These efforts include increasing the
number of prenatal clinics and maternal care units in hospitals, as well as providing
education and support to new mothers through community health centers (European
Commission, 2021). These measures aim to ensure that pregnant women and new
mothers receive the necessary care and support to promote healthy pregnancies and
reduce the risk of infant mortality.

In conclusion, while the infant mortality rate in Greece has been declining in recent years,
there are still disparities in IMR between different regions and socioeconomic groups. To
further reduce IMR and improve the health outcomes of the population, it is important to
continue to monitor and analyze this critical public health indicator and implement
targeted interventions aimed at addressing the underlying social, economic, and
environmental determinants of health.

Life expectancy

One of the most important public health indicators that shows good health for Greece is
life expectancy. Life expectancy measures the average number of years a person is
expected to live based on current mortality rates. It is a valuable indicator of the overall
health of a population and reflects the quality of life and well-being of its citizens.

Greece has one of the highest life expectancies in Europe, with an average life
expectancy of 81.5 years in 2020 (World Bank, 2021). This is above the average life
expectancy of the European Union (EU), which is 81.0 years (Eurostat, 2021). This
shows that the health status of the Greek population is relatively good, and citizens have
access to quality healthcare and a high standard of living.

Life expectancy is an important public health indicator because it is influenced by various

factors, including healthcare access, public health policies, and social and economic
conditions. High life expectancy indicates that a population has access to quality
healthcare, preventive measures, and good living conditions. In addition, it is also an
indication of the success of public health policies, such as vaccination campaigns and
disease prevention measures, that contribute to the reduction of mortality rates (Ruggeri
et al., 2021).
The high life expectancy in Greece can be attributed to various factors, including the
country's universal healthcare system and its commitment to promoting a healthy
lifestyle. This system has contributed to the reduction of mortality rates from various
diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which are leading
causes of death worldwide (World Health Organization, 2021).

Moreover, Greece's traditional Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and
healthy fats, has been linked to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of
chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes (Kastorini et al., 2011). This diet,
along with the country's active lifestyle and strong social networks, has contributed to the
good health and longevity of the Greek population (Lazarou et al., 2021).

Additionally, physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental
health, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression (Mammen & Faulkner, 2013). The
benefits of physical activity extend beyond individual health, as it also contributes to a
healthier and more productive workforce, reducing absenteeism and increasing
productivity (World Health Organization, 2020).

Greece has a long history of promoting physical activity and sports, with evidence of
organized sports dating back to ancient times (Papaioannou et al., 2013). Today, Greece
continues to prioritize physical activity as a means of promoting good health, with
numerous programs and initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity levels among its
population.

One such program is the National Program for the Promotion of Physical Activity, which
was launched in 2008 and aims to increase physical activity levels among all age groups
in Greece (Kollias et al., 2015). This program includes a variety of initiatives, such as the
development of physical activity guidelines, the promotion of physical activity through
schools and workplaces, and the establishment of community-based physical activity
programs.

Moreover, Greece has also invested in infrastructure to support physical activity, such as
the creation of walking and cycling paths and the establishment of public parks and green
spaces (World Health Organization, 2020). These measures make it easier for people to
engage in physical activity, regardless of their income or access to resources.
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