Where does the needs assessment typically occur in the program planning process?

• A. Beginning
• B. During evaluation
• C. After implementation
• D. End

Answer: (A)

Needs assessment is done at the very start of planning. It involves gathering data to understand what health problems exist, who is affected, how big the gap is, and what resources are available. This early step identifies which needs are most urgent and who should be targeted, and it helps shape the goals, priorities, and design of the program. If you wait until evaluation or after implementation, you’re not guiding the plan based on identified gaps—you’re measuring outcomes after the fact or reacting to issues that have already occurred. Evaluation comes later to judge effectiveness, and implementation is the phase where activities are carried out. So, the needs assessment typically occurs at the beginning.