Population Health Dictionary

A population in which the age and sex composition is known precisely, as a result of a census. A standard population is used as a comparison group in the procedure for standardizing mortality rates.... standard population

The group of persons for whom an intervention is planned. For example, the targeting of services to particular user groups.... targeting / target population / target group

See “population ageing”.... ageing of the population

The increase over time in the proportion of the population of a specified older age.... population ageing

The study of changes in the number and composition of individuals in a population and the factors that influence those changes. Population dynamics involves five basic components of interest, to which all changes in populations can be related: birth, death, sex ratio, age structure and dispersal.... population dynamics

A graphic presentation of the age and sex composition of the population.... population pyramid

Health services targeted at populations with specific diseases or disorders.... population-based services

The base population from which a sample is drawn at the time of initial sampling. The standard against which a population that is being studied can be compared. See “population”.... reference population