Plan Components for the Problem Description

Resources

Some sources of state and national epidemiological data

In addition, you can look up state-specific information from

State-based Programs
CDC; Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity

Online resources for meta-analyses

HealthCommKEY
Emory Center for Public
Health Communication

I: Problem/Health Issue

Find Existing Information
Literature searches and other existing data sources can provide a wealth of quantitative and qualitative data about the problem. Also, it is important to know specifics about the problem in your local area when developing a problem description.

Some examples of data sources include

Epidemiological data (prevalence of obesity and contributing factors).
Behavioral and theoretical literature.
Health care systems.
Community-based organizations.
Local foundations.
Formative research reports and other gray literature (from government agencies, non-profit organizations, universities).
Policy or legislative databases.
Community needs assessment.
Community assets map.
Private sector lifestyle data (if accessible).