Charting Unlinked Data: Understanding Optimal Development and Healthy Ageing Across the Life Course in Pakistan
1
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Background and
OBJECTIVE:
Pakistan’s ageing demographics and evolving health challenges demand a clearer understanding of its fragmented and unevenly distributed data ecosystem1. Key gaps include the absence of longitudinal data, limited research on climate–health links, and underrepresentation of adolescents and older adults2,3. This study reviewed national data sources and literature to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improving evidence on health and ageing across the life course in Pakistan.
METHODS:
This case study profiled Pakistan’s health data ecosystem across four key life stages: children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. A desk review of national surveys, grey and peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted. Key data sources included the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM), and relevant epidemiological studies. Sources were screened for relevance to demographic, health, and social indicators and synthesised thematically using a life-course framework.
RESULTS:
The review identified strong coverage of maternal and child health outcomes, including fertility, survival, and nutrition, reflecting national survey priorities. However, major gaps were observed. Longitudinal data tracking health across life stages were limited, while mental health, disability trajectories, and environmental influences were poorly captured. Adolescents and older adults were consistently underrepresented in surveys and publications, creating significant blind spots in the evidence base. These limitations constrain life-course analysis and hinder the design of targeted interventions to support healthy ageing.
CONCLUSIONS:
Pakistan’s demographic transition highlights the need for stronger, integrated life-course data systems. Expanding surveillance to include adolescents, older adults, and neglected domains such as mental health, disability, and environmental factors is critical for informed programme development. Linking early-life and youth investments with adult and older-age outcomes can guide preventive strategies to promote well-being and healthy ageing across generations.
Background and
OBJECTIVE:
Pakistan’s ageing demographics and evolving health challenges demand a clearer understanding of its fragmented and unevenly distributed data ecosystem1. Key gaps include the absence of longitudinal data, limited research on climate–health links, and underrepresentation of adolescents and older adults2,3. This study reviewed national data sources and literature to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improving evidence on health and ageing across the life course in Pakistan.
METHODS:
This case study profiled Pakistan’s health data ecosystem across four key life stages: children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. A desk review of national surveys, grey and peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted. Key data sources included the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM), and relevant epidemiological studies. Sources were screened for relevance to demographic, health, and social indicators and synthesised thematically using a life-course framework.
RESULTS:
The review identified strong coverage of maternal and child health outcomes, including fertility, survival, and nutrition, reflecting national survey priorities. However, major gaps were observed. Longitudinal data tracking health across life stages were limited, while mental health, disability trajectories, and environmental influences were poorly captured. Adolescents and older adults were consistently underrepresented in surveys and publications, creating significant blind spots in the evidence base. These limitations constrain life-course analysis and hinder the design of targeted interventions to support healthy ageing.
CONCLUSIONS:
Pakistan’s demographic transition highlights the need for stronger, integrated life-course data systems. Expanding surveillance to include adolescents, older adults, and neglected domains such as mental health, disability, and environmental factors is critical for informed programme development. Linking early-life and youth investments with adult and older-age outcomes can guide preventive strategies to promote well-being and healthy ageing across generations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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