What is a common final step in CHNA and public health planning that follows data collection?

• A. Analyze health needs
• B. Define the community
• C. Implement interventions
• D. Evaluate outcomes

Answer: (A)

After collecting data in a CHNA or public health planning process, analyzing health needs is the step that turns raw numbers into meaning. It involves looking for patterns, trends, and disparities across different groups, quantifying how widespread and severe issues are, and determining what areas require the most attention. This analysis reveals which health problems should be prioritized and how resources should be directed, providing the evidence base for setting goals, selecting interventions, and guiding next steps.

Other steps occur later in the sequence: defining the community and scope typically happens early to frame the assessment, and implementing interventions or evaluating outcomes follow after priorities are established and actions are in place.