Toronto Public Health (TPH) reports on a series of Population Health Status Indicators (PHSIs) to support its mission to reduce health inequities and improve the health of the whole population, and to meet the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards. PHSIs summarize data used to measure health outcomes and behaviours at a population level and provide an overview of health and well-being over time and across populations.
A wide range of PHSIs, analyzed over time, by geography and by socio-demographic characteristics, can be found in our interactive PHSI dashboards.
Analyzing data by geography and socio-demographic characteristics can help to identify, monitor and respond to health inequities. Differences in income, housing, education, employment and experiences of racism and discrimination can contribute to unfair and preventable differences in health between population groups. Systemic racism and discrimination are important drivers of these inequities.
Population Health Status Indicator Dashboard
This section provides information on reproductive and infant health in Toronto.
The early years are an important time for rapid growth and development. A person’s future health status is heavily influenced by experiences, exposures, and relationships during the first few years of life.
View the Reproductive and Infant Health dashboard.
For population health data on children aged one year and older, see the Child and Youth Health dashboard.
This section provides information on the health status and behaviours of children and youth (aged one year and older) in Toronto.
It includes indicators in areas that impact physical and mental health, including well-baby visits, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, electronics use, experiences of bullying, and emotional support. Physically and emotionally healthy children are more likely to be successful in school and in life, and there are long-term benefits of having positive mental health in childhood and adolescence.
View the Child and Youth Health dashboard.
For population health data on self-harm among children and youth, see the Mental Health and Substance Use dashboard.
This section provides information on mental health status and behaviours and substance use among adults in Toronto.
Mental health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing. It is more than just the absence of mental illness. States of mental health can fluctuate throughout a person’s life depending on social, environmental, psychological, and biological factors.
Substance use is a common practice that can have significant impacts on overall health and wellbeing. People use substances for different reasons, including medical purposes, religious or ceremonial purposes, personal enjoyment, or to cope with stress, trauma or pain.
View the Mental Health and Substance Use dashboard.
For population health data on mental health and substance use among children and youth, see the Child and Youth Health dashboard. For cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke among adults, see the Adult Health Behaviours and Risk Factors dashboard.
This section provides information on health behaviours and factors that affect health among adults in Toronto.
Health promoting behaviours, such as a nutrition and physical activity, and factors such as access to health care are related to better health, enhanced quality of life, disease prevention, and avoiding premature death. Health behaviours and access to health care are influenced by the social determinants of health and the environments in which we live, work and play.
View the Adult Health Behaviours and Risk Factors dashboard.
This section provides information on chronic conditions among adults in Toronto.
Chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease, are leading contributors to death and disability, both locally and nationally. They are influenced by complex interactions of biological, social and environmental determinants, and risk factors including individual behaviours. As the number of older adults increases, the burden of most chronic conditions is increasing, including dementia, an emerging condition of public health importance.
View the Adult Chronic Conditions dashboard.
This section provides information on injury in Toronto.
Most injuries are predictable and preventable. Injuries can be unintentional (including those resulting from motor vehicle collisions, drownings, falls, sports, and recreation) or intentional (including those related to self-harm and violence). Unintentional injuries constitute the majority of injuries. Injuries can lead to emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and adverse health outcomes like impairments and disabilities, and sometimes death.
Additional indicators related to injury may be added at a later date.
View the Injury dashboard.
For population health data on intentional self-harm among children and youth, see the Mental Health and Substance Use dashboard.
This section provides information on dental and oral health in Toronto.
Good dental and oral health are integral to overall health and wellbeing, while poor oral health is associated with negative health outcomes. For instance, untreated tooth decay and gum disease can result in difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking. Untreated dental diseases are associated with health problems such as diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease. Public health promotion and intervention in the early years can set a trajectory for a lifetime of good oral health behaviours and outcomes.
View the Oral Health dashboard.
Toronto Public Health is in the process of reviewing relevant indicators.
In the interim, see other population health data resources: