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Course is epidemology
In 3–4 pages (not including title page and references), analyze the data sources you selected by addressing the following:
Briefly identify the population health problem you selected.
Identify each data set you selected.
Identify the variables in each data set you would need to examine the association of interest.
Assess the validity of each data set. Has it been used for prior studies/publications?
Explain the challenges you might face as a researcher in identifying a proper data set or securing permission to use it.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Data.CDC.gov: Home. Links to an external site. https://data.cdc.gov/
National Center for Health Statistics. (2015). Resources for researchers. Links to an external site. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nchs_for_you/researchers.htm
Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (n.d.). Explore existing datasets. Links to an external site. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/student-research/data-sources
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Data collections Links to an external site. [Data sets]. https://www.who.int/data/collections
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Sample Answer/Writing Guide
Introduction:
The population health problem selected for this analysis is the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adults in the United States. The objective of this analysis is to identify and assess the validity of the data sources available for studying this problem, as well as to identify the variables necessary to examine the association of interest.
Data Sources:
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Variables:
NHANES:
Age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, blood pressure, lipid profile, physical activity, smoking status, dietary intake, socioeconomic status, and medical history.
BRFSS:
Age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, physical activity, smoking status, dietary intake, and medical history.
NHIS:
Age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, physical activity, smoking status, dietary intake, medical history, and access to healthcare.
Validity:
NHANES:
NHANES is a nationally representative survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that uses standardized protocols and procedures to collect health-related data. The survey has been used in numerous studies and publications and is considered a valid data source for studying the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
BRFSS:
BRFSS is a state-based survey that collects self-reported data on health-related behaviors and conditions, including diabetes. Although the survey has limitations due to self-reported data and non-response bias, it has been used in numerous studies and publications and is considered a valid data source for studying the prevalence of type 2 diabetes at the state level.
NHIS:
NHIS is a nationally representative survey that collects self-reported data on health-related behaviors and conditions, including diabetes. Like BRFSS, NHIS has limitations due to self-reported data and non-response bias, but it has been used in numerous studies and publications and is considered a valid data source for studying the prevalence of type 2 diabetes at the national level.
Challenges:
As a researcher, the challenges in identifying a proper data set or securing permission to use it include:
Access: Some data sets may require special permissions or approvals to access, which can be time-consuming and difficult to obtain.
Data quality: Data quality can vary across data sets, and some may require extensive cleaning and validation before they can be used for analysis.
Data limitations: Data sets may not have all the variables needed to answer the research question, which can limit the ability to draw conclusions or make comparisons across data sets.
Bias: Data sets that rely on self-reported data can be subject to bias and may not accurately reflect the true prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the population.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) are valid data sources for studying the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adults in the United States. Each data set has unique strengths and limitations, and researchers should carefully consider these factors when selecting a data set for their analysis. Additionally, researchers may face challenges in identifying a proper data set or securing permission to use it, including issues related to access, data quality, data limitations, and bias.
