Survey Research Is A Common Method To Collect Data

Survey Research Is A Common Method To Collect Data In A

Survey research is a common method to collect data in a research project. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, select a public health issue or topic you feel needs to be addressed in your community. Based on your research, respond to the following regarding the public health issue you selected: Explain why it is important to address your selected public health issue in your community. Define the purpose statement for the public health issue or topic you feel needs to be addressed in your community. Develop at least two research questions you would like to answer as a result of your research. Design a survey that could be used to measure: The dependent variable (also known as a response variable) The independent variable (typically the variable that is manipulated by the researcher) Explain or predict the dependent variable you will seek to measure based on your research questions. Explain how each question relates to the variables defined.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Public health issues significantly impact community well-being and quality of life. Addressing these issues through research-based strategies can lead to improved health outcomes, policy development, and community awareness. In this paper, the selected public health issue is childhood obesity, a growing concern particularly in urban and low-income communities. The importance of addressing childhood obesity stems from its association with numerous health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological effects. By understanding the factors contributing to childhood obesity and community attitudes towards intervention programs, effective policies and programs can be developed to curb this trend.

Importance of Addressing Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020) identifying it as a critical public health issue in the United States. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, experiencing higher risks of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease (Sahoo et al., 2015). Moreover, childhood obesity can lead to psychological issues like low self-esteem, depression, and social stigmatization (Daniels et al., 2014). Addressing childhood obesity within communities is vital because early intervention can disrupt the trajectory toward lifelong health complications and improve overall community health status.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this research is to explore the factors contributing to childhood obesity in urban communities and assess community perceptions regarding preventive measures and intervention programs. This will help identify barriers to adopting healthy lifestyles for children and inform targeted public health strategies.

Research Questions

  1. What are the main dietary and physical activity patterns among children in the community that contribute to obesity?
  2. How do parents and community members perceive the importance and effectiveness of existing obesity prevention programs?

Survey Design

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable in this survey is the child's weight status, which can be categorized as overweight or obese, based on BMI percentiles for age and sex (CDC, 2021). This variable reflects the health outcome associated with various behavioral and environmental factors.

Independent Variables

  • Dietary habits, such as daily fruit and vegetable consumption and frequency of fast-food intake.
  • Physical activity levels, including the number of hours spent on active play or sports each week.
  • Parental perceptions of health and nutrition education.
  • Community access to recreational facilities and healthy food options.

Sample Survey Questions

  1. How many servings of fruits and vegetables does your child typically consume in a day?
  2. How often does your child participate in physical activities or sports during a typical week?
  3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you believe nutrition and physical activity are in preventing childhood obesity?
  4. Are there safe and accessible parks or recreational facilities available in your community?
  5. How frequently does your family eat fast food or takeout meals?

Explanation of Variables and Questions

The survey questions are directly related to the independent variables, such as dietary habits and physical activity, which influence the child's weight status. For instance, questions about fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity levels serve as indicators of healthy behaviors that can affect BMI. Community accessibility questions help assess environmental factors influencing behaviors. The question about perceptions of nutrition and activity importance provides insight into community attitudes that may impact the adoption of healthy practices.

Conclusion

Through targeted survey questions, this research aims to identify behavioral, environmental, and perceptual factors contributing to childhood obesity in the community. Understanding these variables can guide the development of effective public health interventions, policies, and educational campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles among children and their families.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Childhood Obesity Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
  • CDC. (2021). Determine BMI and percentile for children and teens. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/basics/childrens_bmi.html
  • Daniels, S. R., Jacobson, M. S., McCance-Katz, E., et al. (2014). Childhood obesity and parent perceptions: A systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Health, 8(2), 120-130.
  • Sahoo, K., Sahoo, B., Choudhury, A. K., et al. (2015). Childhood obesity: causes and consequences. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(2), 187–192.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Strategies to Prevent Childhood Obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/strategies.html
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Report on Ending Childhood Obesity. https://www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity/publications/echo-report/en/
  • Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Flegal, K. M. (2018). Prevalence of obesity among youths by household income and education level of head of household — United States, 2011-2014. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 67(6), 186–189.
  • Freedman, D. S., Mei, Z., Srinivasan, S. R., et al. (2007). Cardiovascular risk factors and excess adiposity among overweight children and adolescents: The Bogalusa Heart Study. Journal of Pediatrics, 150(1), 12–17.
  • Katz, D. L., O’Connell, M., Yeh, M., et al. (2012). Public health strategies for weight management. Preventing Chronic Disease, 9, E02.
  • Lobstein, T., Baur, L., & Uauy, R. (2004). Obesity in childhood and adolescence: an international public health challenge. The Lancet, 364(9430), 2044-2054.

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