Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

In a small community, which informant is likely best for conducting an informant interview?

1. The state department of health for death records

2. A local priest for congregation information

3. Surrounding communities for crime comparison

4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for illnesses in the area

The correct answer is: A local priest for congregation information

Conducting an informant interview necessitates engaging with individuals who possess intimate knowledge of the community’s dynamics, culture, and issues. In this scenario, a local priest serves as an effective informant due to their frequent interactions with members of the congregation and the broader community. This position allows the priest to witness firsthand the social, health, and economic challenges faced by community members, making their insights invaluable for understanding local needs and resources. The local priest often plays a central role in the community, frequently being the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance, guidance, or support. Their access to diverse demographic information about the congregation and the community as a whole equips them to provide nuanced perspectives that are critical when addressing public health issues. Other options, while they may hold valuable information, do not provide the same level of direct community engagement. For instance, the state department of health can provide statistical data but lacks the qualitative insights that local residents might offer. Similarly, comparing crime data from surrounding communities would not reflect the unique social fabric of the small community in question. The CDC, although essential for understanding broader health trends, operates at a national level and may not have the localized information that is crucial for a small community's specific context.