What is Health Research?
Health research is the science and art of studying the distribution and determinants of the health status of people as influenced by social, economic, and physical environments, human biology, health policy, and services.
Health research also provides ways and means to prevent diseases, prolong the longevity of life, and promote health at the community levels by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system as an integral part of the overall process of socio-economic development.
Health research describes people’s beliefs about health and illness and how they remain healthy and cure diseases.
Data are gathered from health-related sectors, including agricultural and food distribution, education (formal and non-formal), water and sanitation, and transport and communication.
All these sectors contribute to health, either directly or indirectly. In recent years, health research has been integrated with family planning research.
The sole purpose of research in these areas is to disseminate the findings of the studies to the policy planners, program managers, researchers, and other professionals involved in population and health services for the promotion of reproductive health and family planning programs.
We cite some examples below that demonstrate this research.
Examples of Health Research
Example #1: (Reproductive Health)
Even though trained traditional birth attendants (TBA) are readily available in rural areas for safe delivery, trained TBAs attend only around 20% of home deliveries.
It is thus imperative to identify why adult members do not avail of this opportunity. To investigate this, a study is to be designed.
Example #2: (General Health)
Obesity plays a role in developing diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers. A significant portion of the population is obese in the country.
Specific population subgroups, including the middle-aged (35-64), have higher prevalence rates.
However, little is known about the differences in weight patterns between males and females and among adolescents. A study is needed to investigate the issue in question.
Example #3: (Nutritional Health)
Adulterating food with toxic chemicals is practiced on a large scale in almost all the developing countries of the world- The practice of food adulteration and deceiving customers is rampant in Bangladesh.
It is tough to find a food industry sector that is free of malpractices. Considering this context, a study was conducted to ascertain the level of knowledge prevalent among consumers and food sellers regarding food adulteration.
This survey was conducted by the Center of Excellence of the World University of Bangladesh in Dhaka among 72 food sellers and 460 consumers. The cross-sectional study design was followed in implementing the study.
How does health research contribute to community well-being?
Health research promotes health at the community level by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system. It is an integral part of the overall process of socio-economic development.
What does health research aim to describe regarding people’s beliefs and actions?
Health research describes people’s beliefs about health and illness and how they remain healthy and address diseases.
How has health research evolved in recent years in relation to family planning?
In recent years, health research has been integrated with family planning research, aiming to promote reproductive health and family planning programs.