Methods for complex population health evaluation in relation to environmental factors based on use of integral indices. Descriptive review (Report 1)

Introduction. Structural changes detected in indices of population health and risks created by changes in priority environmental factors resulted in natural necessity to create integral valuations of population health that can be predicted under various circumstances. The purpose of the study was the descriptionof the population health indices used in its complex evaluations. Materials and methods. This paper is a narrative review of available research literature. Relevant literature sources were sought in reference databases (SCOPUS, WoS), and PubMed search system without any limitations as regards time of publication. Two groups of indices were analyzed: one-dimensional ones and those based on mortality tables. Results. Advantages and drawbacks typical for each measure types were established as regards a possibility to perform intergroup or inter-population evaluations; taking into account complexity and interrelations between various factors; use of contemporary concepts of health taking into account the expressed social orientations. Despite many available methodological developments in the sphere, integral population health indices are still being developed, among other things, due to interdisciplinary approaches, use of the complex systems theory, and up-to-date opportunities provided by computational systems. Limitations include the lack of any strictly determined search strategy. The research results are considered qualitative (descriptive) with some elements of comparison and do not provide any quantitative estimations. Conclusions. The results obtained by analysis of the accomplished literature allowed establishing the most relevant integral measures of population health among one-dimensional ones and those based on LEB assessment techniques and estimating whether their structural components were well-grounded. A conclusion was also made that any health evaluations, life expectancy, and life quality have certain social orientation and their multidimensional components should be taken into account in all their complexity. It is necessary to determine whether resources are allocated justly given the established burden of disease in specific population groups.