Intelligence
                       Step 2 - Problem Analysis
       • Developing solutions to complex population nutrition problems (such as 
         obesity or food insecurity) is more effective when based on a variety of 
         intelligence sources 
       • Problem analysis is a step in the analytical stage of the intervention bi-
         cycle that helps specify the nature of public health nutrition (PHN) 
         problems. 
                      Problem Analysis
                  Problem Analysis
                Public Health Intelligence
      • Intelligence is a more expansive concept of evidence than is commonly 
        referred to in health evidence 
          evidence from randomised control trials or other reductionist or rigid 
          research methods
      • Intelligence, in addition to research literature, includes information 
        derived from consultation with the
          Population - those living with the problem
          Experts - those who have lived the research relating to the problem 
          Practitioners – those who practice in trying to solve the problem on a daily 
          basis
                  Problem Analysis
               What is Problem Analysis?
     • Problem analysis involves conducting a detailed assessment of the 
       populations’ needs or problems 
         includes examination of both general population issues and the specific 
         nutrition-related health problem 
     • The process of problem analysis builds upon the activities and 
       relationships established through the community engagement step 
     • Problem analysis and intelligence gathering aids the development of 
       successful strategies and helps to prevention or inappropriate or ineffective 
       action. 
                  Problem Analysis
                  Defining the Problem
     • Understanding the problem is important to ensure interventions are 
       based on intelligence rather than assumptions, professional opinions or 
       limited knowledge
     • To understand a PHN problem a variety of intelligence is needed
     • Answering the following questions helps to define the problem:
         What is the nature and characteristics of communities?
         Are current services and initiatives are responding to illness and promoting 
          population health?
         Are there gaps in services and initiatives? 
         What environmental changes are required for better health? 
                  Problem Analysis