Public health trends among the region’s population (in the case of the Vologda oblast)

The article analyzes the changes of the main public health indicators in the Vologda Oblast against the background of the world and Russia’s trends. Proceeding from the identified trends and the growth rate of life expectancy in the Russian Federation, the indicator of life span increase up to the EU 2010-level is calculated. The article describes the monitoring results concerning public health in the region. Health self-assessment index of the region’s population is revealed. The impact of self-protection practices on health is analyzed. The correlation between health and self-destructive behavior is defined. The article suggests basic directions of activities to improve public health in the region.