Methodological Approach to Compiling a Classifier of Public Health Challenges

Abstract

Introduction: The dynamics of socio-economic development of the society and emergence of unpredictable large-scale events determine the necessity of creating a classifier of public health challenges. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodological approach to compiling a public health challenge classifier. Materials and methods: We elaborate on our methodological approach to creating a classifier of public health challenges developed through systematization of provisions of GOST R ISO 31000-2019 and “The urban health index: A handbook for its calculation and use” by the World Health Organization. The use of these documents as a basis is justified by the fact that public health challenges entail risks of not achieving strategic targets for maintaining and improving public health. We reviewed 35 scientific papers published in 2002–2023 and found in PubMed, SCOPUS, and eLibrary.ru using the following keywords: risk, public health challenges, and disasters. The method of expert assessments was applied to select indicators of challenge differentiation. Experts were chosen from among public health professionals given established criteria and their opinions were then evaluated for consistency using the coefficient of concordance. The examples of public health challenges were considered based on the reports of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Results: The classifier of public health challenges implies assignment of challenges to a certain category depending on the level of implementation (occurrence), as well as the expected graveness of consequences. Classification by the level of implementation includes federal, regional, and municipal levels while that by the severity of consequences – high, moderate, and low categories of expected negative consequences. Such classification takes into account the division of powers between the authorities of different levels to ensure feasibility and effectiveness of subsequent application of response tools. Conclusion: The methodological approach considering key characteristics of public health challenges, correct classification of the latter, and timely use of emergency response tools will ensure public health maintenance in the Russian Federation on the federal, regional, and local levels.