Title: What is health research?
Course: Health Management, Ethics and Research - Ethiopia (Full)

What is health research?

Research is the collection, analysis and interpretation of data with the aim of answering certain questions or solving certain problems. Health research is aimed at investigating health-related problems systematically and using this knowledge to design better solutions for these problems. It is concerned with improving the health of people and communities by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system, and supporting the community's own ability to take actions that preserve and protect the health of community members.

When we say that research has to be systematic, this means that a clear 'system' is used for collecting, recording, analysing and interpreting all the data, that the system does not change during the research, and that everyone involved handles the data in exactly the same way.

The focus of health research that will be of most interest to you as a Health Extension Practitioner includes:

- The health needs in your community, including for health promoting services such as family planning and antenatal care (Figure 10.1).
- Resources necessary to provide the essential health services that your community needs.
- The effective organisation and management of the health services you provide.
- The monitoring and evaluation of your health education initiatives and health service provision in terms of their outcomes and impact on community health.

Figure 10.1 The reasons for acceptance or rejection of antenatal care or family planning services are important subjects for health research. (Photo: UNICEF Ethiopia/Indrias Getachew)