COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION HEALTH STATUS IN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN REGIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA IN RELATION TO THE LEVEL OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Irina TABĂRĂ,Constantin BULIMAGA,Nicolae BODRUG,Universitatea de Stat din Moldova

Abstract

The comparative analysis of the general incidence and prevalence of the population across the development re- gions of the Republic of Moldova highlights significant territorial differences. The Southern Development Region records the lowest values of general incidence, approximately 12.4% below the national average, as well as of ge- neral prevalence, about 16.2% lower than the national average and 6.9% below the overall district average. These lower levels may be partially explained by a relatively low degree of environmental pollution in the region and by its specific socioeconomic characteristics.In contrast, the Northern Development Region shows higher values for both incidence and general prevalence, which may be attributed to a more pronounced influence of environmental pollution, a determining factor affecting the population’s health status. The results indicate the existence of regio- nal disparities and emphasize the need for further research on the relationship between environmental quality and health indicators. Keywords: population health status, health indicators, general incidence, general prevalence, comparative analysis, Southern Development Region, Northern Development Region.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59295/sum1(191)2026_15