CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Health Education Specialist Practice Questions and Study Guide

Secondary data is typically used to inform local health policies and programs because it offers a broad overview of existing information collected through various research studies, government reports, health surveys, and community assessments. This data is not collected directly by the user but is useful for understanding trends, identifying health issues, and recognizing gaps in service delivery within the local context.

Using secondary data allows health educators and policymakers to access a wealth of pre-existing information, facilitating informed decision-making and program planning without the time and resources required for primary data collection. By analyzing this data, they can identify patterns and associations that are crucial for developing effective health interventions tailored to the community's needs.

In contrast, primary data involves the direct collection of information, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Tertiary data typically synthesizes information from primary and secondary sources, and while qualitative data provides in-depth insights into people's experiences and motivations, it may not capture the broader quantitative trends needed for policy and program development.