Search the GCU Library and find three different health care articles that use quantitative research. Do not use articles that appear in the topic Resources or textbook

The purpose of this assignment is to evaluate the steps of hypothesis testing.

Identify a peer-reviewed article from one of the data sources available on the “Data Resource Document.” You will need to visit the various websites listed on the document to search for a research article that is of interest to you. Include the link to the selected article in a 750-1,000 word summary that address the following as it relates to the article.

1. What test statistic did the researchers use? What did the authors set as the significance level of the test statistic?
2. What was the null hypothesis? What was the alternative hypothesis? Were these clearly stated in the article, or did you have to extrapolate based on the background in the article?
3. Discuss potential bias that may have resulted from the study design and data collection that could have affected the validity of the test.
4. Summarize the story told by the data used in this study as it applies to the larger population
5. Comment on whether the authors used the interpretation approach discussed in the textbook, including (a) summarize why the study was done, (b) discuss the factual results, (c) explain what the results mean, and (d) make suggestions for future research.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Topic 3 DQ 2

Sphweb (n.d) study found the following: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on trends in weight, height and body mass index from the 1960’s through 2002.¹ The general trend was that Americans were much heavier and slightly taller in 2002 as compared to 1960; both men and women gained approximately 24 pounds, on average, between 1960 and 2002. In 2002, the mean weight for men was reported at 191 pounds. Suppose that an investigator hypothesizes that weights are even higher in 2006 (i.e., that the trend continued over the subsequent 4 years). The research hypothesis is that the mean weight in men in 2006 is more than 191 pounds. The null hypothesis is that there is no change in weight, and therefore the mean weight is still 191 pounds in 2006(n.d).

Sphweb (n.d) study found the following: In order to test the hypotheses, we select a random sample of American males in 2006 and measure their weights. Suppose we have resources available to recruit n=100 men into our sample. We weigh each participant and compute summary statistics on the sample data. Suppose in the sample we determine the following:

• n=100
• s=25.6

Sphweb (n. d). study found the following: Do the sample data support the null or research hypothesis? The sample mean of 197.1 is numerically higher than 191. However, is this difference more than would be expected by chance? In hypothesis testing, we assume that the null hypothesis holds until proven otherwise. We therefore need to determine the likelihood of observing a sample mean of 197.1 or higher when the true population mean is 191 (i.e., if the null hypothesis is true or under the null hypothesis). We can compute this probability using the Central Limit Theorem. Specifically, (n.d.).

Review of the “Nutrition and Weight Status” on the Healthy People 2020

Obesity in Adults (NWS-9)

• Healthy People 2020 objective NWS-9 tracks the proportion of adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
  • HP2020 Baseline: In 2005–2008, the rate of obesity was 33.9% among adults aged 20 years and over (age adjusted).
  • HP2020 Target: 30.5%, a 10% improvement over the baseline.
  • Most Recent: In 2013–2016, the rate of obesity was 38.6% among adults aged 20 years and over (age adjusted).
• Males aged 20 years and over had a lower rate of obesity than females (36.5% versus 40.5%, age adjusted) in 2013–2016. The rate for females was 11.0% higher than that for males.
• Among racial and ethnic groups, the non-Hispanic Asian population had the lowest (best) rate of obesity, 12.5% of adults aged 20 years and over (age adjusted) in 2013–2016. Rates (age adjusted) for other racial and ethnic groups were:
  • 0% among the non-Hispanic black population; more than 3.5 times the best group rate
  • 9% among the Hispanic population; more than 3.5 times the best group rate
  • 1% among the non-Hispanic white population; 3 times the best group rate
    

    Topic 4: The t-Test

    Objectives:

    1. Differentiate the use of three types of t-tests.
    2. Explain the assumptions of the t-test.
    3. Interpret t-test results to determine the difference in means.

     

    Application of the t-Test

    The purpose of this assignment is to learn how to apply the t-test to a sample dataset.

    For this assignment, students will use IBM SPSS Statistics and the “Example Dataset.”

    Using the “Example Dataset” and SPSS, apply the t-test to assess the following statement: “Men and women have different incomes in this city.”

    Show your calculations and copy of the SPSS output in a Word document.

    In a separate 250-500 Word document, address the following questions:

    1. Describe what t-test is the most appropriate and explain why. Discuss whether you used a one-tailed or two-tailed test and explain why.
    2. Using SPSS, calculate the t-test and provide the test statistic and critical value assuming an alpha of .05.
    3. Calculate the effect size using r².
    4. Interpret the results by (a) stating the reason the study or test was done, (b) presenting the main results, (c) explaining what the results mean, and (d) making suggestions for future research.

    Submit both Word documents to the instructor. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

    Topic 4 DQ 1

    Compare the three types of t-tests by discussing when each is most appropriate to use and which types of questions each type of t-test best answers. Include specific examples to illustrate the appropriate use of each test.

    Topic 4 DQ 1

    In statistics, t-tests are a type of hypothesis test that allows you to compare means. They are called t-tests because each t-test boils your sample data down to one number, the t-value. If you understand how t-tests calculate t-values, you’re well on your way to understanding how these tests work.

    In this series of posts, I’m focusing on concepts rather than equations to show how t-tests work. However, this post includes two simple equations that I’ll work through using the analogy of a signal-to-noise ratio (Editor, M.B.,2019, n.d.).

    Both the signal and noise values are in the units of your data. If your signal is 6 and the noise is 2, your t-value is 3. This t-value indicates that the difference is 3 times the size of the standard error. However, if there is a difference of the same size but your data have more variability (6), your t-value is only 1. The signal is at the same scale as the noise (Editor, M.B.,2019, n.d.).

    In this manner, t-values allow you to see how distinguishable your signal is from the noise. Relatively large signals and low levels of noise produce larger t-values. If the signal does not stand out from the noise, it’s likely that the observed difference between the sample estimate and the null hypothesis value is due to random error in the sample rather than a true difference at the population level (Editor, M.B.,2019, n.d.). PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    Many people are confused about when to use a paired t-test and how it works. I’ll let you in on a little secret. The paired t-test and the 1-sample t-test are actually the same test in disguise! As we saw above, a 1-sample t-test compares one sample mean to a null hypothesis value. A paired t-test simply calculates the difference between paired observations (e.g., before and after) and then performs a 1-sample t-test on the differences (Editor, M.B.,2019, n.d.).

    Understanding that the paired t-test simply performs a 1-sample t-test on the paired differences can really help you understand how the paired t-test works and when to use it. You just need to figure out whether it makes sense to calculate the difference between each pair of observations (Editor, M.B.,2019, n.d.).

    Reference

    Editor, M. B. (n.d.). Understanding t-Tests: 1-sample, 2-sample, and Paired t-Tests. Retrieved September 27, 2019

     

  • Topic 4 DQ 2

    Step 2 of hypothesis testing involves reviewing the assumptions of the test you selected. Discuss the three assumptions of the t-test. Provide an example of the assumption that is not robust to violations and a situation when the assumption is violated. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    Topic 4 DQ 2
    Hoekstra (2012) study found the following:Using a statistical test is one of the frequently mentioned methods of checking for violations of assumptions (for an overview of statistical methodology textbooks that directly or indirectly advocate this method, see e.g., Hayes and Cai, 2007). However, it has also been argued that it is not appropriate to check assumptions by means of tests (such as Levene’s test) carried out before deciding on which statistical analysis technique to use because such tests compound the probability of making a Type I error (e.g., Schucany and Ng, 2006). Even if one desires to check whether or not an assumption is met, two problems stand in the way. First, assumptions are usually about the population, and in a sample the population is by definition not known. For example, it is usually not possible to determine the exact variance of the population in a sample-based study, and therefore it is also impossible to determine that two population variances are equal, as is required for the assumption of equal variances (also referred to as the assumption of homogeneity of variances) to be satisfied. Second, because assumptions are usually defined in a very strict way (e.g., all groups have equal variances in the population, or the variable is normally distributed in the population), the assumptions cannot reasonably be expected to be satisfied(p.1)Hoekstra (2012) study found the following:The assumptions of normality and of homogeneity of variances are required to be met for the t-test for independent group means, one of the most widely used statistical tests (Hayes and Cai, 2007), as well as for the frequently used techniques ANOVA and regression (Kashy et al., 2009). The assumption of normality is that the scores in the population in case of a t-test or ANOVA, and the population residuals in case of regression, be normally distributed. The assumption of homogeneity of variance requires equal population variances per group in case of a t-test or ANOVA, and equal population variances for every value of the independent variable for regression. Although researchers might be tempted to think that most statistical procedures are relatively robust against most violations, several studies have shown that this is often not the case, and that in the case of one-way ANOVA, unequal group sizes can have a negative impact on the technique’s robustness (e.g., Havlicek and Peterson, 1977; Wilcox, 1987; Lix et al., 1996)(p.2)ReferenceHoekstra, R., Kiers, H. A., & Johnson, A. (2012). Are assumptions of well-known statistical techniques checked, and why (not)?. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 137. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00137

     

    Topic 5: ANOVA Testing

    Objectives:
    1. Compare and contrast the types of ANOVA tests and their application.
    2. Apply the results of an ANOVA to determine statistical difference between means and potential interactions.
    3. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

     

    Application of ANOVA

    The purpose of this assignment is to calculate and interpret an ANOVA table. For this assignment, use IBM SPSS Statistics.

    Part 1:

    Using the “Example Dataset,” assess this statement using ANOVA: “People with different levels of education exercise for different amounts of time during the week.”

    Select and conduct the appropriate ANOVA test to assess the statement. Export the ANOVA table to a Word document.

    Part 2:

    In 250-500 words, discuss the following regarding the use of ANOVA.

    1. Describe when the use of ANOVA is more appropriate than the use of a t-test.
    2. Describe which ANOVA test you used and why.
    3. Interpret the results by (a) stating the reason the study or test was done; (b) presenting the main results, including explaining the within and between subjects variation and the F-ratio from the ANOVA table; (c) explaining what the results mean, including discussing whether there is a statistically significant difference between education groups and amount of exercise; and (d) making suggestions for future research. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    General Requirements

    Submit one Word document for the Part 1 assignment content and a second Word document for Part 2 of the assignment. Submit both Word documents to the instructor.

    APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

    Attachments

    PUB-550-RS-Example Dataset.xlsx

     

    Topic 5 DQ 1

    Compare the various types of ANOVA by discussing when each is most appropriate for use and which types of research questions each best answers. Include specific examples to illustrate the appropriate use of each test and how interaction is assessed using ANOVA.

    Topic 5 DQ 1

    Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a unit of statistical tests used to compare the means of two or more groups (Corty, 2016). There are two types of tests: between subjects, one-way ANOVA and between subjects, two-way ANOVA. ‘Between subjects’ means independent samples and ‘way’ means explanatory view. ‘Way’ can be grouping variables or independent variables (Corty, 2016) PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data.

    The one-way ANOVA is a statistical test used when comparing the means of two or more independent samples when there is only one explanatory variable (Corty, 2016). A one-way ANOVA is most appropriate when used to assess the differences in one continuous variable between one grouping variable (Statistics Solutions, 2020). One- way ANOVA allows more groups to be compared at once, allowing more complex questions to be addressed (Corty, 2016). For example, a one-way ANOVA would be appropriate if the goal of research is to assess for differences in job satisfaction levels between ethnicities (Statistics Solutions, 2020). This type of example would require a question regarding one dependent variable, job satisfaction, and one independent variable, ethnicity.

    The two-way ANOVA allows researchers to examine the impact of two explanatory variables at one time (Corty, 2016). The two-way ANOVA is most appropriate to use when there are two or more influencing factors at one time. A two-way ANOVA answer the most complex questions involving multiple influencing factors (Corty, 2016). For example, a researcher performed a study on factors that influence altruism and has interest in both how the children are reared and what their nervous systems are like, nurture vs. nature (Corty, 2016). The study was preformed using adoptive children. Below is the design stud with multiple levels of altruism as the influencing factors:

     

    	Adoptive Parents  High on Altruism	Adoptive Parents  Medium on Altruism	Adoptive Parents  Low on Altruism
    Birth Parents  High Altruism
    Birth Parents  Low Altruism

    (Corty, 2016)

    References

    Corty, E.W. (2016). Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences. (3^rd Ed.) New York, NY: Worth Publishers

    Statistics Solutions. (2020). The Various Forms of ANOVA. Retrieved from https://www.statisticssolutions.com/the-various-forms-of-anova/ PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

     

    Topic 5 DQ 2

    Different types of software can be used for data management. Compare Excel and SPSS and discuss specific SPSS software features that make it preferable to Excel for data management. Provide examples illustrating when electing to use SPSS could be preferable to Excel and vice versa.

    5 DQ 2

    When it comes to statistical analysis there are a few different types of software that can be used for data management. There are two types used in the PUB 550 course at Grand Canyon University. The first is Excel, which is a spreadsheet software that can also be used for statistical analysis. The other is SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Sciences, is an actual statistical analysis software (Statistics Solutions, 2019). Excel is an easy to use software that allows researchers to format data into a table format or spreadsheets, with rows and columns, and then filter the data using formulas (Mittermeier, 2019). The primary purpose of Excel is to create records of data along with manipulation of the data into visual analysis in preparation for formal presentations and reports. SPSS is specifically made for statistical analysis. The software has been used by researchers for decades to perform quantitative analysis of data, allowing for import of statistical packages from other databases and spreadsheets (Statistics Solutions, 2019). Excel utilizes formulas to perform analyses, that the user is expected to be knowledgeable of, whereas SPSS has specific tools to recode and transform variables without additional knowledge of the user required. SPSS is specific to the social sciences as it allows for comparative studies and statistical techniques at a large scale, although limited as it is unable to perform analyses for large data sets from the medical field for clinical data (Statistics Solutions, 2019). PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data. Although both software are capable of aiding researchers in performing statistical analysis on data they have collected, one is significantly more useful in the type of analysis researchers in public health and other social sciences need. SPSS is designed for data analysis in the social sciences and overall is the most user friendly and forgiving, as errors of accidental overwrites or sorting can be avoided unlike Excel worksheets (Mittermeier, 2019).

    References

    Mittermeier, E. (2019). Why you should move from Excel to SPSS. Retrieved from https://www.2×4.de/2019/06/11/why-you-should-move-from-excel-to-spss/

    Statistics Solutions. (2019). SPSS statistics help. Retrieved from https://www.statisticssolutions.com/spss-statistics-help/

     

    Topic 6: Regression

    Objectives:

    1. Apply the steps of a regression analysis to determine the linear regression equation and its appropriateness based on the data.
    2. Interpret regression output to predict changes in a dependent variable based on changes in one or more predictor variables.

    Application of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and the Chi-Square Test

    The purpose of this assignment is to practice calculating and interpreting the Pearson correlation coefficient and a chi-square test of independence.

    For this assignment, complete Problems 13.132 and 15.88 in the textbook. Include your process for conducting the calculations. You can complete the calculations by hand or using Excel or SPSS. If you use Excel or SPSS, copy and paste your output results into a Word document.

    When addressing each textbook problem, provide a response for each of the six steps of hypothesis testing listed below.

    1. Pick a test.
    2. Check the assumptions.
    3. List the hypotheses.
    4. Set the decision rule.
    5. Calculate the test statistic.
    6. Interpret the results. (What was done? What was found? What does it mean? What suggestions exist for future research?) PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    Submit a Word document with your problem answers to each of the six steps. If Excel or SPSS was used to complete the assignment, submit the second Word document containing the screenshots to the instructor.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

    Topic 7 DQ 1

    Correlation is a common statistic to measure a general linear relationship between two variables. Explain why correlation does not equal causation. Describe the data characteristics necessary to calculate a Pearson correlation coefficient. Design a study that would apply the Pearson correlation coefficient as an appropriate statistic.

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    Topic 7 DQ 1

    Correlation between two variables proves only that there is an association it doesn’t guarantee that one causes the other (Corty, 2016). If two variables vary together systematically a cause and effect relationship may exist but there does not have to be, it is possible there is a third variable (Corty, 2016). When an association is demonstrated further research is needed to assess the strength of the relationship this is where the Pearson test comes in. The Pearson test calculates a correlation coefficient that summarizes the strength of the linear relationship between two variables, a strong relationship would suggest causation (Corty, 2016).

    Data necessary to calculate a Pearson correlation coefficient must be interval and/or ratio, for an ordinal variable the Spearman rank order test can be used and for two nominal variables the chi-square test can be used (Corty, 2016).

    A study that would be appropriate for the Pearson correlation coefficient would be a study of the need for prescription glasses and its relationship to age.

     

    References

     

    Corty, E. (2016). Using and interpreting statistics : a practical text for the behavioral, social, and health sciences. New York: Worth Publishers.

    Topic 7 DQ 2

    Describe the conditions in which a nonparametric test would be a better selection than a parametric test. Illustrate your ideas with a specific example of when you would use each type of test using similar variables for each example.

    Topic 7 DQ 2

    Parametric tests should only be used when assumptions about the parameters are met (Corty, 2016). Nonparametric tests do not have to meet these same assumptions. There are two circumstances in which a nonparametric test should be used: PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    • The outcome variable is ordinal or nominal (Corty, 2016).
    • During an experiment, if a nonrobust assumption is violated, the researcher can revert back to a nonparametric test from a parametric test (Corty, 2016).

    Nonparametric tests are less restricted by assumptions and relatively simple to conduct, making them desirable. Although, they are often not as influential on the null hypothesis as parametric test (Corty, 2016). The reason nonparametric tests have less power is that they only contain nominal or ordinal data rather than interval/ratio data. Nominal and ordinal numbers contain less information, thus giving nonparametric tests less power (Corty, 2016). Generally, researchers prefer parametric tests, but when the assumptions are not met, nonparametric tests are used.

    When the outcome is an ordinal variable or a rank, it is appropriate to use a nonparametric test. For example, a clinical trial is performed where study participants are asked to rate illness symptoms on severity for six weeks for a specific, assigned treatment. Symptom severity is measured on a 5-point ordinal scale with the following response options:

    1. Symptoms got much worse
    2. Symptoms are slightly worse
    3. No change
    4. Slightly improved
    5. Much improved

    (Sullivan, 2016).

    Outcomes that are ordinal, ranked, subject to outliers or measured imprecisely are difficult to analyze with parametric tests without making major assumptions (Sullivan, 2016). An appropriate and most effective test for the example above is the nonparametric test.

    Parametric tests can also be used for ordinal variables as long as the ordinal variables are continuous. For example, an experiment analyzing the weight and height of firefighters could use a parametric test because the ordinal variables are continuous.

    References

    Corty, E.W. (2016). Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences. (3^rd Ed.) New York, NY: Worth Publishers

    Sullivan, L. (2016). Nonparametric Tests. Retrieved from http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/BS/BS704_Nonparametric/BS704_Nonparametric_print.html PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

     

    Topic 8: Analyzing and Reporting Results

    Objectives:

    1. Apply hypothesis testing steps to a data set.
    2. Communicate scientific information for public health practice.
    3. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context.
    4. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming, and software, as appropriate.
    5. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice.

     

     

    Benchmark – Analyzing and Reporting Data

    The purpose of this assignment is analyze a dataset and report findings to relevant stakeholders.

    Read the Topic Material “Analyzing and Reporting Data – Overview” prior to beginning the assignment.

    For this assignment, you will use IBM SPSS Statistics and one of the three datasets to conduct a basic statistical analysis and report the results by creating a scientific poster. MPH students can use this assignment as an introduction to the option of a larger secondary data analysis for their capstone project.

    Select a public health topic that is of interest to you and complete the following using the “GCU MPH Poster Template.”

    1. Review the three datasets provided in the Topic Materials and brainstorm at least one potential research question that could be answered by one of the datasets. The question should be based on a topic that is of interest to you and is supported by existing literature.
    2. Select the dataset and organize the data to complete the analysis.
    3. Provide descriptive statistics that summarize the sample.
    4. Select an appropriate statistical test and conduct the analysis.
    5. Interpret the results of your analysis.
    6. Prepare your poster presentation putting the results in the context of the larger story surrounding the purpose for the analysis. Consider the data source, assumptions, hypotheses, decision rule, and interpretation.

    In addition to the poster, write a 1,000-word summary of the analysis that addresses the questions below. The summary should include additional discussion notes you would include for each section if you were presenting your poster at a professional conference. Typically, a poster presentation involves presenting your poster to small groups and providing an oral explanation as the audience reviews your poster. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    1. Summary of the data source.
    2. Variables used in the analysis.
    3. The six steps of hypothesis testing.

    Prepare and submit the PowerPoint poster and summary as two separate documents.

    Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

    Attachments

    PUB-550-RS-National-Health-Interview-Survey-Dataset.sav
    PUB-550-RS-Analyzing-and-Reporting-Data-Overview.docx
    PUT-550-RS-Demographhic-and-Health-Survey-Dataset.sav
    PUB-550-RS-Youth-Risk-Behavior-Surveillance-System-Dataset.sav
    PUB-550-RS-GCU-MPH-Poster-Template.pptx

    Analyzing and Reporting Data – Overview

    The purpose of this assignment is to give you experience conducting a basic secondary data analysis using real-world surveillance data. Secondary data analysis is faster and cheaper to conduct compared to primary data collection. However, there are also significant limitations. The data were likely collected for a different purpose, and may not include the specific variables required to answer your question. The sampling strategy might not be random and may not be representative of your target population. These are examples of such limitations you should be aware of as you work with existing data.

    A key question is whether the data should determine the research question, or if the research question should determine the type of data you use. In practice, you would want your research question or hypothesis to determine the dataset you select. In this assignment, you are limited to three datasets and may need to adjust your initial research question to accommodate one of the three datasets. Avoid “mining” for significant results and stick to your initial research question as much as possible. For this project, you will select one of the three example datasets to complete a basic analysis and communicate your findings through a scientific poster presentation. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    These steps will help you get started:

    1. Review the websites for each of the three datasets listed below. Be sure to understand the purpose of the survey, the sample used in the survey, and the main focus areas of each survey. Review the documentation provided on the websites to get to know the story behind the data and understand the population before reviewing the data.
    2. Select the dataset that is most appropriate for your interest area.
    3. Open the data in SPSS and get to know the data by reviewing the variables in “Variable View” mode. This view will allow you to read the variable labels and response labels for each variable.
    4. Based on your research interest and question, select variables that will help increase your understanding about that topic.
    5. Arrange the data as needed to organize and clean data, allowing you to focus on your specific question. Remember to save your analytic data file as a new file in case you need to go back to the original file. It is good practice to continually save new versions of the data file as you work with and manipulate the data.
    6. Follow the hypothesis testing steps to carry out your secondary data analysis. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    For additional information on conducting a secondary data analysis, read the Topic Material, “Conducting High-Value Secondary Dataset Analysis: An Introductory Guide and Resources.”

    Dataset Documents

    1. Demographic and Health Survey

    The Demographic and Health Survey is a global monitoring survey administered by USAID. The sample dataset is the model data set put together by USAID to explore DHS data. The sample data is not from a specific country or year, but it gives you an idea of what can be obtained from various countries through these datasets. The datasets are free and publically available once you register with USAID to access the DHS data. For the purpose of this assignment, treat this dataset as coming from a country of your choice. Access to the Model Questionnaire, Recode Manual, and Data Video Tutorials, including a video on the sampling strategy, is found at http://dhsprogram.com/data/model-datasets.cfm.

    Note: You do not need to worry about weighting strategies for this assignment.

    Use the http://dhsprogram.com/data/Using-DataSets-for-Analysis.cfm link to review the “Step-by-Step Introduction to Analyzing DHS Data” for tips on how to access your own dataset for future use and to see what resources are available to help you navigate the model dataset for this assignment:

    2. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

    The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is a national survey monitoring health behaviors among youth and young adults. It is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The example dataset for this assignment comes from the National Survey (not combined) dataset for 2015. General information about the survey is found at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyYouth/data/yrbs/index.htm.

    Documentation and questionnaires can be found by accessing the “YRBSS Data and Documentation: website at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data.htm. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data

    Please read the 2015 YRBS Data User’s Guide, listed in the “National YRBS Datasets and Documentation” page at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/2015/2015_yrbs-data-users_guide_smy_combined.pdf.

    The dataset includes calculated variables not found in the questionnaire that you might find helpful in determining your analysis for this assignment. The crosswalk to match the questions with the dataset can be found by viewing the “YRBS Questionnaire Content – 1991-2017” found at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/2017/yrbs_questionnaire_content_1991-2017.pdf.

    3. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

    The NHIS began in 1957, and has been used to monitor the health of the United States ever since. It is a household-level survey administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Key topics in the survey include doctor’s visits, medical conditions, health insurance, and health behaviors. General information about the survey, including the sample design and data collection procedures, can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/about_nhis.htm.

    A Survey Description of the 2015 National Health Interview Survey can be found at ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2015/srvydesc.pdf.

    The sample dataset is from the 2015 adult survey at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/nhis_2015_data_release.htm.

    Some of the variables have been deleted to decrease the size of the file, but none of the observations have been dropped. Please review the “2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Public Use Data Release” document at ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2015/readme.pdf.

    Review the “2015 NHIS Public Use Variable Summary” at ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2015/samadult_summary.pdf.

    After you identify a few variables you are interested in, review the complete description of the variable in the variable layout document at ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2015/samadult_layout.pdf.

    Checking the variable frequencies will help you determine the range of answers for each variable of interest, including the number of missing observations PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data. If the number missing is high, consider using another variable. Variable frequencies can be found at ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2015/samadult_freq.pdf.

     

    Topic 8 DQ 1

    Reporting public health information requires a clear understanding of the various statistical methods used to draw conclusions. These methods are then communicated within the larger story surrounding the public health issue. Identify a public health report or article and discuss what you would do differently to improve understanding and application if you were the author. Post the permalink to your article or report in the Main Forum.

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    Topic 8 DQ 1

    The world today does not have a shortage of public health issues. Researchers are constantly gathering more data to develop prevention and protection programs. In order to properly accomplish this, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of statistical methods to draw accurate conclusions. It is possible to find statistics on nearly all public health issues, which is why is it critical for the scientists and professionals to have a grasp on all statistical methods available.

    One public health issue that is relevant today is obesity. The general population is aware that poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and obesity cause a number of health-related issues, however obesity is getting worse all over the world. An article that addresses the issue, published by the World Health Organization, is ‘Obesity and Overweight’. The link to the article is https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight.

    Key facts from the article:

    • Obesity has tripled worldwide since 1975
    • In 2016, 1.9 million adults over the age of 18 were considered overweight; 650 million were obese
    • 40 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese. PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data.
    • In 2016, over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were obese or overweight

    (WHO, 2020).

    The article references multiple statistics regarding population obesity. The article also defines obesity and overweight in order to understand what determines who falls into the obese category and who falls into the overweight category. WHO also shared recent global estimates:

    • In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight. Of these over 650 million adults were obese.
    • In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 years and over (39% of men and 40% of women) were overweight.
    • Overall, about 13% of the world’s adult population (11% of men and 15% of women) were obese in 2016.
    • The worldwide prevalence of obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016

    (WHO, 2020).

    While the information is interesting and useful, it would be helpful for the reader if WHO discussed the application used to develop the statistical data. WHO also shared the cause and prevention tactics for obesity. It would be helpful if WHO developed predictions for the next five years if people followed obesity prevention guidelines verses if these guidelines were not followed; all while providing the method to creating the statistical data. This would help the reader to better understand the importance of the public health issue. The sample size and surveillance methods should also be shared regarding obesity data retrieval.

    Reference

    World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight PUB-550: Application and Interpretation of Public Health Data