preview

Using Secondary Data Sources In Public Health

Decent Essays

Module 3- Professional Learning Log # 4 Monica Eickmeyer The use of secondary data sources adds another resource for public health practitioners in policy and intervention development. Instead of just using primary resources, secondary resources may be integrated to provide robust data collectively. Also, multiple data sources may be applied to gain a better understanding of the public health concern. Data sets available for mortality, morbidity, health outcomes, social and living environments can determine health needs and barriers to care. In situations where funding resources are a concern or limited, secondary data sources may be considered and applied in public health. If another agency has already collected the data, expenses are reduced and time is saved. However, categories and age groups may not be available for the question you have chosen. …show more content…

For example, if the secondary data reveals a rise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease caused primarily by chronic cigarette smoking, then anti-smoking interventions can be aimed at specific groups. However, when applying secondary data sources, a consideration of how and why the data was collected and for whom should be considered. Examining trends over time provides longitudinal data about COPD and smoking to track the success and failures of public health interventions and policies. For example, smoking policies have been implemented through time and getting tougher for smokers to gain access to publicly smoking in Canada. Also, data about the effects of secondary smoke may be examined to determine if diseases related to secondhand smoke are

Get Access