Health Statistics

Organized numerical data that characterize the health of a population and the influences that affect it’s health including:

• Environment
• Genetic and biological characteristics
• Health services
• Community attributes,political and cultural contexts

"Statistics” and “Data” are not interchangeable although many people use these terms as though they are.

If you think that you need DATA in order to create your own statistics please consult the U of A Data Library

If you need STATISTICS please use this guide to aid in your search!

 Data is the raw information from which statistics are created. Put in the reverse, statistics provide an interpretation and summary of data. If you want to understand a phenomenon, you want data. Data can be analyzed and interpreted using statistical procedures to answer “why” or “how.”

Data is used to create new information and knowledge.

Statistics are the results of data analysis and are considered a presentation ready form of data. They represent a method of presenting numerical data. Researchers often need statistics as background or supporting information and to add weight to their research.If you’re looking for a quick number, you want a statistic. A statistic will answer “how much” or “how many”.  Statistics are usually presented in form of tables, charts, graphs etc.