Employ Knowledge Of Statistics In Collecting Health Data

EMPLOY KNOWLEDGE OF STATISTICS IN COLLECTING HEALTH DATA

Related Tasks

• Define the term data collection.
• Identify tools used in statistical data collection
• Describe main methods of collecting statistical data
• Develop tools for data collection

Use tools for data collection

Definition

DATA COLLECTION is the systematic process of gathering, measuring, and recording information from individuals, groups, observations, or sources for the purpose of analysis, interpretation and decision making.

It is an important step in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, and research because the quality of collected data directly affects the accuracy and reliability of study findings.

Main tools used in statistical data collection

• Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Observation checklists
• Focus group discussions (FGDs)
• Rating scales (E.g. Likert scale)
• Medical and Administration Records
• Tests and Examinations

census

1. QUESTIONNAIRE

• Is a written set of questions answered by respondents.

TYPES OF QUESTIONNAIRE

• Structured questionnaires- fixed responses E.g. Yes/No
• Semi-structured questionnaires- Both fixed and open-ended questions

Unstructured questionnaires- Mostly open-ended questions

Advantages of Questionnaire

• Can collect large amounts of data
• Cost effective
• Time-saving
• Standardization of responses
• Easy to analyze

No interview bias

Disadvantages of Questionnaires

• Low response rate
• Misinterpretation of questions
• Limited depth of information
• Incomplete or missing data
• Not suitable for illiterate population

Risk of dishonest or biased response

Qualities of a good Questionnaire

• Clear instruction
• Demographics
• Grammar
• Proper space for response
• Simple questions
• As per objectives

Pilot study

2. INTERVIEW

Is a data collection tool which involves direct verbal interaction between the researcher and participant (interviewer and interviewee) It consists of a set of pre-written questions that are asked by an interviewer and filled in by the interviewer called Interview Schedule

TYPES OF INTERVIEW

Structured interview- standardized set of pre-determined questions in a fixed order.

Semi-structured interview- Uses a pre-prepared set of guiding questions but allows the interviewer to ask additional probing questions.

Unstructured (informal) interview- An interviewer asks open-ended questions.

How to conduct interview

• Conducted as per objectives
• Plan for time, duration, place, mode of recording
• Respect not to answer right of subject
• Simple and appropriate language

Positive body language

Advantages of Interview

• Provides in-depth information
• Clarification of questions is possible
• High response rate
• Suitable for all literacy levels
• Allows probing and follow up questions

Allows better control over data collection process

Disadvantages of Interview

• Time-consuming
• Expensive
• Interview bias
• Requires skilled personnel

Possibility of response bias

Limited anonymity (respondents may feel uncomfortable sharing sensitive or personal information)

3. OBSERVATION (Observation checklist)

In this tool a research observe and record behaviors, events or condition using a checklist.

TYPES OF OBSERVATION

• Overt- subjects are aware
• Covert- subjects are not aware
• Participant

Non-participant

Advantages of Observation

• Provide direct information
• Captures the real-life behavior
• Useful when subjects can not communicate
• Minimizes response bias
• Provides contextual information

Useful for verifying other data sources

Disadvantages of Observation

• Observer bias

Time-Consuming

• Limited scope of data
• Hawthorne effect

Expensive in some cases

Ethical concerns (observing people without their knowledge may raise privacy and consent issues)

4. FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS (FGDs)

• A small group discussion guided by a moderator to obtain opinions and perception.
• Number of participants
• Minimum- 6 participants
• Optimal range- 6-8 participants (most commonly used in qualitative health research)

Maximum- 10-12participants

Advantages of FGDs

• Generates rich qualitative data

Encourage interaction among participants Efficient data collection method (large amount of information can be collected from several participants at the same time) Explores diverse perspectives

• Helps in identifying new idea or issues
• Useful for understanding social norms and behavior

Cost effective compared to individual interview

Disadvantages of FGDs

• Dominance by certain participants

Lack of confidentiality

Group pressure (conformity bias)- Individuals change their opinions, attitudes, or responses to match those of a group) Requires skilled moderator

Logistical challenges

4. CENSUS

It involves the complete enumeration of all members of a defined population at a specific point in time It aims to gather detailed information about demographic, social , and economic characteristics.

• Advantages of census
• No sampling bias
• High accuracy and reliability
• Detailed information

Benchmark data

Disadvantages of Census

• Very expensive
• Time consuming

Not suitable for frequent studies

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

Statistical data collection methods are systematic approaches used to gather information for analysis, interpretation, and decision making in research, epidemiology, public health and biostatistics.

• These methods are broadly divided into,
• Primary data collection methods

Secondary data collection methods

A. Primary data collection methods

• Observation method
• Interview method
• Questionnaire method
• Experimental method
• Focus group discussion

Measurement method

Sources of primary data

• Direct observation
• Experiments
• Focus group discussion
• Interview
• Survey and field studies
• Measurements and tests

Case studies

B. Secondary data collection method

Secondary data are data already collected by others for another purpose.

Sources of secondary data

• Published sources
• Government reports
• Journals
• Census data
• WHO reports

Books

Unpublished sources

• Hospital records
• Institutional data base

Research theses

Factors influencing the choice of data collection method

• Research objectives
• Nature of data needed
• Available time
• Cost and resources
• Literacy level of participants
• Population size

Accuracy required

HOW TO DEVELOP DATA COLLECTION TOOLS

This is the systemic process of designing instruments used to gather accurate, reliable, and relevant information for research, epidemiology, biostatistics and public health studies.

Data collection tools should be carefully developed to ensure the quality of data collected.

STEPS IN DEVELOPING DATA COLLECTION TOOLS

• There are four steps in developing data collection tools namely
• Defining the objectives of the study (what, why, who)

Identify variables to be collected (characteristics or measurements that will be studied) Select appropriate data collection method (depending on the study objectives e.g. in-depth opinion we use interview).

Draft the tool

Principles in Using data collection tools

• Before using any tool, the researcher should,
• Understand the study objectives
• Train data collectors
• Obtain ethical approval and informed consent
• Pretest the tool
• Ensure confidentiality

Use standardized procedures