Definition of the word vital statistics

The phrase "vital statistics" has its roots in the field of public health. In the mid-19th century, as cities became more populous and diseases began to spread faster, public health officials recognized the importance of collecting and analyzing data about the health of the population. They started to collect basic demographic and health-related information, which they called "vital" because it was necessary for the survival and well-being of the community. The term "statistics" refers to quantitative information that can be used to describe and analyze a population. By compiling and analyzing "vital statistics," such as births, deaths, and causes of death, health officials could identify patterns, trends, and risk factors that could inform prevention and treatment strategies. The first comprehensive vital statistics system was introduced in England and Wales in 1838, and similar systems were implemented in other countries over the following decades. Today, vital statistics are routinely collected and made publicly available by national and international health agencies to monitor population health and inform policy and research.