Chris Owino
Department of Health Science, University of the People
HS 4990: Research Seminar in Health Science
Dr. Gautam Krishnan
September 25th,2025.
Introduction
A pressing health issue that demands our attention is the rise of non-communicable diseases
among young adults in urban areas, such as the increasing number of people getting type 2
diabetes in various localities. Through a long-term study, which follows people over time how the
disease develops as well as various treatments work. To better understand this situation, we
can adopt a cross-sectional study approach, which allows us to explore the links between
lifestyle choices and the likelihood of developing these conditions. Collecting data through
surveys will enable us to gather essential information about participants' age, gender, dietary
habits, physical activity, and overall health. This method is efficient, allowing us to reach a large
number of individuals quickly. However, it does have limitations, particularly in establishing clear
cause-and-effect relationships (Alele & Malau-Aduli,2023).
According to Ghanad (2023),by utilizing this approach, we can identify various risk factors
associated with these diseases and implement evidence-based strategies to tackle them. Yet,
we must also be mindful of challenges, such as encouraging accurate survey completion and
mitigating potential biases. The increase in non-communicable diseases—like type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers—among young adults is alarming. This issue
resonates deeply with me, as I’ve witnessed friends and family in my community facing these
health challenges at increasingly younger ages, often linked to modern lifestyle choices.
Quantitative Research Design: Cross-Sectional Study
For this research, I would opt for a cross-sectional study to explore the relationships between
various lifestyle factors—including diet, exercise, and stress—and the early indicators of
non-communicable diseases in young adults. This approach is particularly effective as it allows
for the simultaneous examination of multiple factors within a large population, facilitating the
identification of connections and emerging patterns. My personal observations of a noticeable
rise in these health issues among my friends, often linked to their dietary choices and screen
time, underscore the significance of examining contemporary lifestyle habits in understanding
these challenges.
Data Collection Methods: Surveys and Standardized Assessments
To gather data for this study, organized surveys, either administered online or in person,
combined with standardized health assessments, would be the most effective approach. The
surveys would collect information such as participants' age, gender, and other demographic
details, alongside their dietary habits, frequency of certain food intake, exercise routines, screen
time, sleep quality, and perceived stress levels. We would also obtain objective health data
through medical tests and measurements, assessing factors like blood pressure, body mass
index (BMI), and blood sugar levels.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths: Surveys provide a quick and cost-effective method to obtain information from a large
audience, allowing for results that can be generalized to a broader population. Standardized
assessments yield clear and measurable outcomes, enhancing the reliability of the findings.
Limitations: Being a cross-sectional study, the design can only illustrate associations rather than
establish causality. Participants’ self-reported data may be influenced by recall bias, and it is
essential to ensure the accuracy of medical information collected during the study.
Ultimately, this research aims to provide evidence linking specific lifestyle habits to an increased
risk of non-communicable diseases in young adults, which could inform the development of
targeted public health initiatives. For example, if a clear relationship is established between high
sugar intake and elevated blood sugar levels, it would support evidence-based dietary
recommendations for this demographic. My observations regarding the rapid impact of lifestyle
changes on health reinforce my conviction in the necessity of robust data to aid in illness
prevention (Hallaran & Gaudet, 2024).
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions
Challenge:Engaging participants in bustling urban areas can be quite difficult, particularly when
striving for a diverse group that accurately represents the experiences of all young adults.
Solution: Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and businesses to reach a broader
audience and develop targeted outreach strategies that encourage participation from a wide
range of individuals.
Challenge: It can be challenging to trust the information provided in surveys, as respondents
may not be completely honest if their answers might be perceived unfavorably.
Solution: Provide clear, straightforward instructions for completing the survey, utilize tested and
reliable tools, and whenever possible, cross-check the data with actual physical measurements.
Challenge:Analyzing large datasets requires sophisticated statistical tools and specialized
expertise.
Solution:Secure funding to hire statistics experts, or invest in training for the research team to
ensure they can conduct thorough and credible analyses.
References
Alele, F., & Malau-Aduli, B. (2023). An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate
Health Profession Students. Pressbooks.
[Link]
Ghanad, A. (2023). An overview of Quantitative research methods. International Journal of
Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 06(08). [Link]
Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.
Hallaran, A., & Gaudet, J. (2024). An introduction to quantitative research design for
students in health sciences.
[Link]
how-do-you-select-the-most-appropriate-research-design/ . Licensed Under Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0.