How is "population health" defined?

"Population health" is defined as the health outcomes of groups of individuals and their distribution within the group. This definition emphasizes not only the outcomes experienced by the population but also how these outcomes vary across different segments within that population.

By focusing on groups rather than individuals, population health allows for a broader understanding of public health issues, taking into account factors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and environmental influences that can affect health outcomes. This holistic approach helps in identifying disparities in health status, addressing social determinants of health, and designing interventions tailored to the specific needs of various groups within the population.

The other options fall short of capturing the full essence of population health. For instance, defining it as the health outcomes of individuals regardless of their location overlooks the importance of social and environmental factors that influence health within specific populations. Similarly, a focus solely on overall health trends in the global population does not account for variations in health outcomes among different groups. Lastly, limiting health outcomes to specific age groups restricts the broader, inclusive perspective that population health embodies.