Which data types are typically collected in a community health needs assessment?

• A. Demographic data and health indicators
• B. Only qualitative narratives
• C. Only clinical trial results
• D. Income data only

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a community health needs assessment builds a picture of who lives in the area and how their health is actually performing. Demographic data describe the population’s characteristics—age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, employment, and where people live—which helps identify which groups may have greater health needs or face barriers to care. Health indicators provide measurable outcomes and risk factors—rates of chronic and infectious diseases, mortality, access to care, insurance coverage, health behaviors, and service utilization—that show how health status looks across the community. Together, these data types give a snapshot of where problems are most prevalent and which groups are most affected, guiding priorities and resources. Qualitative narratives alone don’t quantify the scope, and focusing only on clinical trial results or income data misses the full picture of community health.