Define the facts and playing field: What important context is needed to understand this topic? Why does the topic matter? What questions did you study? What is the gap in knowledge that your research fills?

Public Health Question

For this “Issue Research” assignment, you will conduct online research on your selected topic (and assigned in Week 4). The following questions can help you narrow down the most important information you will need for the Issue Brief.

• Define the facts and playing field: What important context is needed to understand this topic? Why does the topic matter?
• What questions did you study? What is the gap in knowledge that your research fills?
• What is the magnitude of the problem? Compare national, state and local (the area you are most invested in – this could be San Diego or your hometown)
• What is the impact on populations, communities, and costs? What are the immediate to long-term health consequences?
• What are the indirect-health consequences (e.g., economic, social, political) from this problem?
• How is this particular problem related to other health challenges or issues? (Where is the intersection with other issues?
• What are the unique/novel/key findings or takeaways from your studies?
• What are the available interventions, strategies, and policies to address this problem?

NOTE: Include high-level details on your methods that are important to understand. Avoid in-depth descriptions of research methods. Incorporate data, study findings, survey findings, and others’ policy experiences.