Common Issues in Design of Quantitative Health Science Studies Among Graduate Students in Public Health Programs

Abstract

Skills in designing quantitative health studies require the application of knowledge in epidemiology and biostatistics to define study methods to answer research questions found in patient care and population health management. Instructional design and learning to develop such abilities have been challenging for both instructors and students, especially at the graduate level where the emphasis is on equipping graduates with the competency to conduct health research in their professional practice as researchers and academicians. In addition, the study method has a direct effect on the quality of empirical evidence from research to be used for decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation of population health management. In this academic article, the author provided a summary of frequently encountered issues in quantitative health research proposals which was an experiential learning assignment for graduate students in public health programs at a university in the United States. Suggestions for these issues were also provided to exemplify possible methods to improve teaching and learning skills in designing quantitative health studies.