Targeting in a population health approach

Abstract

There are two well described methods to improving health: an individual risk assessment approach and a whole population approach. OBJECTIVES: This study explores the limitations of the individual approach to public health, and the success and limitations of the population approach. METHODS: A theoretical approach with examples from general and oral health will be used. RESULTS: However although the population approach can reduce the mean prevalence of a condition within the population it can also increase health disparities. Some groups gain disproportionally more from a population intervention and vulnerable population groups disproportionally less leading to an unjust situation. These disparities are the result of social circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Additional strategies targeted to vulnerable groups are therefore necessary to complement the population approach to reduce such disparities. Examples of strategies which could be used in targeting vulnerable groups will be outlined.