Health Inquiry

What is a health inquiry?

A heath inquiry is a structured process used by health professionals. researchers, policy makers, educators to investigate health issues, identify patterns and recommend evidence based conclusions

widely used in public health, epidemiology, health promotion and medicine to inform programs, shape policy and enhance health outcomes

Purpose of health inquiry

• Identify emerging or ongoing health concerns in populations and communities

• to analyse data and evidence to uncover causes, risk factors or gaps in services

• to. guide decision making, inform public health campaigns and improve health systems

• to ensure accountability, transparency in health related recommendations and policies

What is planning a health inquiry?

Identification AND ANALYSIS of a health issue

Development of focus questions to research of health issue

PLANNING A HEALTH INQUIRY: What is Identification AND ANALYSIS of a health issue

Planning is the foundation of a successful health inquiry. • In this stage, it is necessary to define the health issue to be investigated and determine the purpose of the inquiry. • It’s about clearly identifying the who, what, where and why of the topic.

PLANNING A HEALTH INQUIRY: Development of focus questions to explore a health issue

A well-developed focus question helps direct and limit your inquiry, guiding you toward relevant and meaningful information.

• These questions must be open-ended and clearly aligned with your chosen issue.

• To create strong focus questions: Begin with words like: How, To what extent, Why, or In what ways. Avoid yes/no questions or ones that are too broad or vague. Ensure the question allows for research, analysis and discussion, rather than just fact-finding.

What is using a range of information to explore a health issue?

Identification & use of a range of reliable information sources

Identification & application of criteria for selecting information sources

USING A RANGE OF INFORMATION TO EXPLORE A HEALTH ISSUE:Identification & use of a range of reliable information sources

Once the focus questions are written, the next step is gathering information from a variety of sources.

Example case:

1. Using search engines, databases, government websites, library archives, and health journals.

2. Looking for both primary and secondary sources (e.g. interviews, surveys, peer-reviewed articles, reports, media).

3. Ensuring a range of perspectives is represented (e.g., community, cultural, expert, etc.)

Use a range of infomration to explore a health issue: Identification & application of criteria for selecting information sources

Selecting reliable information • After gathering sources, students must evaluate their quality and trustworthiness using the criteria

Currency

Bias

Accuracy

Credibility

Relevance

What is currency?

Is it recent or up to date?

What is bias?

Is the information objective or opions based

What is accuracy

Are facts supported by data or citations

What is credibility?

Is it from a reliable publisher or expert

What is relevance?

Is it related to the focus question

What is interpretation of information

Interpreting information involves critically analysing the data you’ve collected.

• This means asking:

• What does this information show?

• What does it mean in context?

•Are there any contradictions?

In practice:

• Look for meaning behind statistics and statements.

• Compare multiple sources to gain a deeper understanding.

• Consider reliability, bias, and gaps in the information.

INVOLVES

Summary of information Interpretation of information

Identification and analysis of trends and patterns in data

Development of argument

Development of evidence-based conclusions

Whatis summary of infomration?

This step requires condensing wide range of information into key points without losing important meaning or misinterpreting the facts

group similar findings togehter, high

What is identification and analysis of trens and patterns in data

Detect consistent patterns or anomalies in the data.

2. Understand the broader implications of these trends on public health.

3. Relate patterns to specific demographics or time frames.

• This step identifies consistent patterns or repeated findings across your sources. Trends reveal how an issue evolves or how specific groups are impacted.

Use graphs or visuals where possible.

• Look for increases, decreases, or consistent figures.

• Identify links between demographics and health outcomes.

What is development of argument ?

Construct a logical argument supported by evidence.

2. Address counterarguments and limitations.

3. Ensure the argument aligns with the focus questions and findings. • An argument is your evidence-based viewpoint on the issue.

• It should be logical, structured, and supported by reliable information.

Begin with a clear position or thesis.

• Support your argument with facts, examples, and expert opinions.

• Acknowledge opposing views but justify your own.

What is development of evidence based conclusions?

• Using evidence gathered throughout your inquiry to form clear, justifiable conclusions.

• Synthesising your findings into statements that reflect the real-world implications of your research.

• Ensuring conclusions are based on facts and patterns, not opinions.

• Making recommendations that directly address the health issue you've investigated

What is presenting findings in an appropriate format?

• Select a presentation format that suits the target audience (e.g., report, infographic, oral presentation).'

• Tailor the language and visuals to enhance understanding.

• Include citations and references to acknowledge sources.

• Choose the correct format: This could be a written report, infographic, presentation, video, blog post, brochure, or social media post, depending on your audience.

• Consider accessibility: Ensure your message is clear and easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless your audience is familiar with it.

• Use visuals: Graphs, tables, and images can help convey data more clearly.

• Link to your findings: Every part of your presentation should tie back to your evidence and conclusions.

• Engage your audience: Use persuasive language, clear structure, and practical suggestions or calls to action when appropriate.

Examples of presenting findings in appropriate format

For peers: Create an Instagram-style infographic series with tips, facts, and help services.

For teachers: Deliver a PowerPoint presentation with data, findings, and recommendations for mental health support in schools.

For government submission: Write a structured report with statistics, trends, and clear policy recommendations.