What health indicator is often used to assess community health outcomes?

The infant mortality rate is a critical health indicator often used to assess community health outcomes because it reflects the overall health of the population, particularly regarding maternal and child health services. A high infant mortality rate can signal issues such as inadequate access to healthcare, poor maternal health, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic factors that may affect a community's well-being. This indicator provides insight into the effectiveness of health policy and the quality of healthcare systems in place.

While the prevalence of diabetes, average life expectancy, and incidence of obesity are all important health metrics, they do not capture the immediate and profound impacts of healthcare systems on the most vulnerable population—infants. Infant mortality rates encapsulate various underlying factors affecting community health, making them a powerful measure for public health assessments and interventions.