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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Public Health · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for PHS 306 Community health practicum 1, prepared for Public Health students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS COURSE CODE:PHS 306 COURSE TITLE: Community Health Practicum I COURSE CREDIT LOAD:(2 Units C: PH 90) LISTS OF SERIES: 1. Design and Use of Questionnaires 2. Methods of Questionnaire Administration 3. Fieldwork Leadership and Team Collaboration 4. Data Analysis and Cleaning in Community Health 5. Reporting and Seminar Presentation of Findings Design and Use of Questionnaires Series outline • Part 1: Concept and Purpose of Questionnaires • 1.1 Definition of a Questionnaire • 1.2 Role of Questionnaires in Community Health • 1.3 Strengths and Limitations of Questionnaires • Part 2: Types of Questionnaires • 1.2.1 Structured Questionnaires • 1.2.2 Semi-structured Questionnaires • 1.2.3 Unstructured Questionnaires • Part 3: Principles of Questionnaire Design • 1.3.1 Characteristics of a Well-designed Questionnaire • 1.3.2 Steps in Questionnaire Development • 1.3.3 Common Pitfalls in Questionnaire Design • Part 4: Application of Questionnaires in Community Health Practicum • 1.4.1 Household Structured Questionnaires • 1.4.2 Integration with Primary Health Care System • 1.4.3 Ethical Considerations in Field Data Collection Introduction In community health practice, questionnaires are among the most widely used tools for gathering information about families and households. They provide a structured way of collecting data that can be analysed to inform planning, programme development, and implementation. For learners in this course, mastering the design and use of questionnaires is essential, since it bridges theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork experience. By learning how to create and apply questionnaires effectively, you will be better equipped to contribute meaningfully to community health initiatives. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to design, classify, and apply questionnaires in community health practicum. It intends to help you understand their
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS purpose, identify different types, and apply sound design principles to ensure that the data collected is valid, reliable, and ethically obtained. We shall commence this Series by examining the concept and purpose of questionnaires, highlighting their role in community health. Next, we will explore the different types of questionnaires, distinguishing between structured, semi-structured, and unstructured formats. Following that, we will focus on the principles of questionnaire design, considering the characteristics of a well-designed instrument, the steps involved in development, and common pitfalls to avoid. Finally, we will conclude by applying these concepts to the practicum setting, where household structured questionnaires are used, linked to the primary health care system, and guided by ethical considerations in field data collection. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the concept and purpose of questionnaires in community health, • SLO 1.2 classify the different types of questionnaires used in fieldwork, • SLO 1.3 explain the principles of effective questionnaire design, including key characteristics and steps, • SLO 1.4 apply structured household questionnaires within the practicum context, linking them to the primary health care system and ethical considerations. 1.1 Concept and Purpose of Questionnaires 1.1.1 Definition of a questionnaire A questionnaire is a structured instrument consisting of a series of questions designed to collect information from individuals or groups. In community health, questionnaires serve as a systematic means of gathering data about households, families, and their health conditions. They are particularly valuable because they allow for uniformity in responses, making the data easier to analyse and compare across different populations. Fill in the blank: A __________ is a structured instrument used to collect information systematically from individuals or groups.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing a simple questionnaire layout with sections for demographics, health status, and household practices. Figure 1.1: Basic structure of a questionnaire 1.1.2 Role of questionnaires in community health In community health practice, questionnaires play a crucial role in identifying health needs, monitoring behaviours, and evaluating interventions. They provide a direct link between theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork, enabling learners to collect data that informs programme planning and implementation. For example, a household questionnaire may reveal patterns of immunisation coverage or sanitation practices, which can guide health education campaigns. Fill in the blank: Questionnaires provide a direct link between __________ knowledge and practical fieldwork. 1.1.3 Strengths and limitations of questionnaires The strengths of questionnaires include their ability to collect large amounts of data efficiently, their standardised format which enhances comparability, and their adaptability to different contexts. However, they also have limitations. Respondents may provide inaccurate information, either intentionally or due to misunderstanding questions. Additionally, poorly designed questionnaires can lead to biased or incomplete data. Recognising both strengths and limitations helps learners to use questionnaires responsibly and effectively in community health practice. Fill in the blank: One limitation of questionnaires is that respondents may provide __________ information due to misunderstanding questions.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 1.1: Strengths and limitations of questionnaires • Strengths: Efficient data collection, standardised format, adaptability • Limitations: Inaccurate responses, design bias, incomplete data Pilot questions 1.1 1. Define a questionnaire in the context of community health. 2. State two roles of questionnaires in community health practice. 3. Mention one strength of using questionnaires. 4. Identify one limitation of questionnaires. 5. Explain why standardisation is important in questionnaire use. 1.2 Types of Questionnaires 1.2.1 Structured questionnaires A structured questionnaire is a data collection tool that uses pre-determined questions with fixed response options. This format ensures uniformity, making it easier to compare responses across different households or communities. In community health, structured questionnaires are often used to gather information on immunisation coverage, sanitation practices, or household health behaviours. Their strength lies in their ability to produce quantifiable data that can be analysed statistically. Fill in the blank: A __________ questionnaire uses pre-determined questions with fixed response options.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing a structured questionnaire with multiple-choice and yes/no questions. Figure 1.2: Example of a structured questionnaire format 1.2.2 Semi-structured questionnaires A semi-structured questionnaire combines fixed questions with open-ended ones, allowing respondents to provide more detailed information. This format balances the need for standardisation with the flexibility to capture unique insights. In community health, semi-structured questionnaires are useful when exploring sensitive topics such as maternal health practices or attitudes towards health interventions. They provide both numerical data and qualitative insights, enriching the overall analysis. Fill in the blank: A semi-structured questionnaire combines fixed questions with __________ questions. 1.2.3 Unstructured questionnaires An unstructured questionnaire consists mainly of open-ended questions, giving respondents freedom to express their views in detail. This format is particularly useful in exploratory studies where the aim is to understand perceptions, attitudes, or experiences without restricting responses. In community health, unstructured questionnaires may be used to explore community beliefs about traditional medicine or perceptions of health services. While they provide rich qualitative data, they are more difficult to analyse systematically. Fill in the blank: An __________ questionnaire consists mainly of open-ended questions.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 1.2: Comparison of questionnaire types • Structured: Fixed questions, easy analysis • Semi-structured: Mix of fixed and open-ended questions • Unstructured: Open-ended questions, rich qualitative Pilot questions 1.2 1. Define a structured questionnaire. 2. State one advantage of semi-structured questionnaires. 3. Identify the main feature of unstructured questionnaires. 4. Mention one context in community health where structured questionnaires are useful. 5. Explain why unstructured questionnaires are more difficult to analyse. 1.3 Principles of Questionnaire Design 1.3.1 Characteristics of a well-designed questionnaire A well-designed questionnaire is one that collects accurate, reliable, and relevant information in a clear and simple manner. It should be concise, avoiding unnecessary questions, and should use language that is easy for respondents to understand. Questions must be arranged logically, progressing from general to specific, and should avoid ambiguity. In community health, a well-designed questionnaire ensures that the data collected reflects the true health status and practices of households. Fill in the blank: A well-designed questionnaire must collect __________, reliable, and relevant information.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing the flow of questions from general to specific. Figure 1.3: Logical arrangement of questions in a questionnaire 1.3.2 Steps in questionnaire development Developing a questionnaire involves several steps. First, the objectives of the survey must be clearly defined. Second, questions are drafted to address these objectives, ensuring they are simple and unambiguous. Third, the questionnaire is organised into sections, such as demographics, health practices, and service utilisation. Fourth, the draft is pre-tested with a small group to identify errors or misunderstandings. Finally, revisions are made before the questionnaire is used in the field. This process ensures that the instrument is valid and reliable. Fill in the blank: Before a questionnaire is used in the field, it must be __________ with a small group to identify errors. 1.3.3 Common pitfalls in questionnaire design Common pitfalls in questionnaire design
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