Abstract
The collection of observational data is crucial to understanding both the environmental and behavioral characteristics of individuals and communities. The implications of the observational data collection process, particularly in contributing to current health communication research and public health outreach efforts, is significant. Specifically, the use of such methods has become increasingly important as disease and injury prevention efforts are grounded in our understanding of human behavior and the environmental factors that affect and shape them [1]. Further, research has well documented the limitations of other forms of data collection, for example survey methods [2] or retrospective analyses [3], that observational data collection can help supplement. Perhaps most importantly, this increased understanding guides both the content and medium public health practitioners and educators utilize to most effectively communicate to atrisk populations [4].
Highlights
The collection of observational data is crucial to understanding both the environmental and behavioral characteristics of individuals and communities
We describe the strengths and limitations associated with this methodology
Mass communication efforts are a crucial component of public health information sharing and dissemination [16]
Summary
The collection of observational data is crucial to understanding both the environmental and behavioral characteristics of individuals and communities. Research has well documented the limitations of other forms of data collection, for example survey methods [2] or retrospective analyses [3], that observational data collection can help supplement Perhaps most importantly, this increased understanding guides both the content and medium public health practitioners and educators utilize to most effectively communicate to at- risk populations [4]. For the purposes of this commentary, our focus is on the collection of quantitative data via observational methods and the translation of such data into findings that can be used to inform broader public health programmatic and policy efforts This commentary offers specific examples of environmental and behavioral observational data collection processes that the study’s authors have recently implemented. Implications for mass communication in the context of public health efforts are discussed
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