DISTRICT INFORMATION SYSTEM AND CHILD HEALTH: A PILOT STUDY IN CAMPANIA

Key words: Child health, Health indicators, Health information system, Health district

A pilot study aimed at evaluating feasibility and usefulness of a child and adolescent health indicator system at the health district (HD) level was carried out in the Campania region, Italy. Data were collected in 5 districts on 16 basic indicators, aimed at describing some of the major health needs and interventions, as well as the demographic and social context. Most of the relevant information was collected, based on existent data sources; a few indicators could not be calculated due to the lack of reliable sources; others required ad hoc surveys. The findings show that this kind of information can be very valuable to identify health needs and issues related to health interventions, either showing the need for further analysis or providing direct indications for defining or revising health strategies and interventions. The development and routine use of basic indicators for child and adolescent health at district level is essential for the appropriate planning of health interventions.