What type of data is considered qualitative data in community health research?

Qualitative data in community health research refers to non-numerical information that provides insights into people's experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. This type of data is essential for understanding the context and nuances of health-related issues within a community.

Interview responses and open-ended survey responses capture individual perspectives and feelings, often revealing deeper insights into community health dynamics. This kind of data allows researchers to explore themes, attitudes, and motivations that quantitative methods may not adequately capture. By analyzing these responses, researchers can develop a richer understanding of health challenges and stakeholder needs within the community.

In contrast, numerical statistics from health surveys represent quantitative data, which focuses on measurable variables and outcomes. Observational data from community visits can have both qualitative and quantitative elements depending on how the information is recorded and analyzed. Health outcomes measured over time are clearly quantitative, as they involve numerical tracking of metrics such as incidence rates or health status changes. Thus, the nature of qualitative data specifically aligns with the depth and richness offered by interview responses and open-ended survey questions.