Measurement Tools For The Determinants of Health

Questions: 1. What are the most pragmatic methods to measure the determinants of health? 2. Discuss, whether it is possible to measure all the determinants of health quantitatively? 3. Enlist at least three different commonly used and validated questionnaires that measurephysical activity? 4.Discuss, whether it is possible to measure all the determinants of health qualitatively? Answers: 1.The health determinants depend upon the values. The basis of defining health can be biological, psychological, physical, social or cultural but there are associated values that identify the change in path from an acceptable state of being the reflection of people. The most pragmatic method is that of assigning numbers to the states of health and then manipulating the numbers (Streiner, D., Norman, G. and Cairney, J. 2014). The indicators of the status of health define the quantities and that denote the aspects of health. These indicators can be either positive or negative measures. The ultimate aim is measurement of disease or ill health. Another method is DALY (Disability adjusted life year) which is calculated by adding Years lived with disability or YLD and Years of life lost or YLL (WHO 2000). 2.No, it is not possible to measure all thedeterminants of health quantitatively. For example, the determinants like the emotional or the cultural factors can be recorded either by observation of experiment and this requires qualitative generalization in form of surveys or questionnaires. Although qualitative data does not give the accurate probability of the health outcomes, yet it can be used as a support instrument along with the quantitative measures (Braveman, P. and Gruskin, S. 2003). 3. (a)One of the most commonly used physical activity assessment questionnaire is based upon the physical activity record that requires to enlist all the physical activites performed throughout the day. The questionnaire was based on the records of physical activities performed at work, at home or during the leisure time. The purpose of this questionnaire was to calculate the physical activity level with the help of the record (Koebnick, C. et al., 2005). (b) The second type of questionnaire is the Modifiable activity questionnaire in which the leisure and occupational activities are assessed and the validity and reliability of the results can be demonstrated in multiple studies. This questionnaire not only considers the recreational activities but also takes into account the physical activity done at work or at home (Sallis, J. 2010). (c) The third most commonly used form of questionnaire is the computer tailored interventions that depend upon the quality of intervention, exposure, duration, intensity , method, use of theory, source credibility and the delivery mode. The questionnaire is based on the physical activity ratings and the outcomes related to the same are measured (Neville, L. 2009). 4.No, it is not possible to measure all thedeterminants of health qualitatively. This is because qualitative research can only helpn in either providing insights into the subjective needs of the people who are the participants of targets of the various programs and interventions that aim at addressing the social determinants of health or qualitative research can help to unpick the black box of the programmes and the interventions to provide a more meaningful understanding about the factors responsible for implementation and impact (Kelly et al. 2006). The major difference that lies between the quantitative and qualitative research is that of replicability and generalizability. Qualitative research allows logical generalizability and not the probabilistic generalizability. References Braveman, P. and Gruskin, S., 2003, Defining equity in health, J Epidemiol Community Health, Vol. 57, pp: 254-258. Kelly, M., bonnefoy, J., Morgan, A. and Florenzo, F., 2006, The development of the evidence base about the social determinants of health, Commission on Social Determinant of health, WHO (World Health Organization). Koebnick, C. et al., 2005, Validation of a simplified physical activity record by doubly labeled water technique, International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 29, pp: 302-309. Neville, L., 2009, Computer-tailored physical activity behavior change interventions targeting adults: a systematic review, International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical activity, Vol.6, no. 30. Sallis, J., 2010, Measuring Physical Activity: Practical Approaches for Program Evaluation in Native American Communities, J Public Health Manag Pract. Author manuscript, Vol. 16, no. 5, pp: 404-410. Streiner, D., Norman, G. and Cairney, J., 2014, Health measurement scales, Oxford university Press.