Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What type of data is reflected by analyzing minutes from a community meeting?

1. Secondary analysis

2. Informant interviews

3. A survey

4. A windshield survey

The correct answer is: Secondary analysis

Analyzing minutes from a community meeting constitutes secondary analysis because it involves examining existing data that has already been collected for another purpose. In this case, the minutes serve as a recorded account of the discussion and decisions made during the community meeting, which can provide valuable insights into community issues, priorities, and engagement. By reviewing these documents, a public health nurse can glean information without needing to conduct new primary research. While informant interviews involve gathering direct information from individuals about their perspectives and experiences, the minutes are not obtained through such direct interaction. A survey involves collecting original data through standardized questions posed to respondents, which is different from analyzing pre-existing documentation. A windshield survey entails an observational evaluation of an area to gather data about the community by driving through it, which also does not align with the content found in meeting minutes. Thus, engaging with the minutes exemplifies the use of secondary data analysis in public health research.