WGU D624 Biostatistics and Analysis Task 1 Childhood Lead Exposure Data Collection Method 2026 Update Passed Submission correct & verified

D624 – Biostatistics and Analysis Task 1 - Recommending Data Collection Method A1a: Public Health Issue 2 Lead poisoning among children continues to be a major public health problem in Warren County, New York. The health department of Warren County manages this problem via their lead program that includes screening for lead blood levels, environmental investigations, education, and surveillance. Children at young age have an increased risk as they have high absorption rates compared to adults and low-level exposure is enough to result in irreversible neurodevelopment problems. The combination of older houses, possible water pollution and certain characteristics of the community are some reasons behind the exposure in the county. A1b: Research Question What environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic risk factors are associated with elevated blood lead levels among children aged 1 to 6 years in Warren County? A1c: Hypothesis Children between the ages of one and six that reside in older homes, have frequent hand-to mouth activity, or come from poorer socio-economic backgrounds will have higher prevalence rates of high blood lead levels compared to those exposed to fewer such risk factors. A2a: Literature Review Summary Study 1: “Using small area prevalence survey methods to conduct blood lead assessments among children” Egan et al. (2022) in their article entitled “Using Small Area Prevalence Survey Methods to Conduct Blood Lead Assessments Among Children” illustrate various methods used by local public health departments in estimating prevalence rates of elevated blood lead levels among children. The study advocates for the hypothesis that small area cluster sampling is a more efficient tool in the identification of elevated blood lead levels and their risk factors in particular geographic areas than regular surveillance. Independent variables include geographic area attributes, age and quality of housing, demographics, and exposure to environment. The dependent variable is blood lead levels, which is the incidence of elevated blood lead levels in children. Study 2: “Prevalence and risk factors of elevated blood lead levels in 0-6-year-old children” Li et al. (2025), in their work entitled "Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children Aged 0 to 6 Years: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China," explore the prevalence and risk factors for elevated blood lead levels among Chinese children. The authors 3 examine the hypothesis that behavioral factors (like hand-to-mouth behavior and lack of hand washing), environmental factors (such as living on the ground floor and bad water quality), and economic factors contribute to an increased probability of high blood lead levels. The independent variables are the demographic of the children and their families, hygiene practices (hand-washing and nail-cutting habits, and hand-to-mouth activities), diet and supplement intake, housing conditions (floor levels, water sources, passive smoke, cooking/heat fuel), and folk medicines. The dependent variable, in contrast, is high blood lead levels (≥ 50 µg/L). Study 3: “Factors associated with blood lead levels in children in Shenyang, China: a cross sectional study” Cheng et al. (2022) in their research paper entitled “Factors associated with blood lead levels in children in Shenyang, China: a cross-sectional study” analyze various sociodemographic and dietary determinants of blood lead levels in children. The hypothesis of the study is that nutritional intake (frequent intake of puffed grains and eggs) and poor hygiene habits (inadequate hand washing before meals) influence blood lead levels. The independent variables include the age of the child, the gender of the child, body mass index, socio-economic status of the family, educational status of the mother, parental occupation, history of home improvement, hand washing before meals, and food intake. Examples of food include puffed grains and eggs. The dependent variable is the blood lead concentration (continuous and dichotomously). A2b: Literature Review: Data Collection Methods Study 1: “Using small area prevalence survey methods to conduct blood lead assessments among children” Recruitment methods - Egan et al. (2022) used small-area prevalence survey methods. Researchers recruited participants through cluster sampling of households in defined geographic areas such as neighborhoods or census tracts. Experimental design - The study used a cross-sectional design. Data collection instruments - The data collection instruments comprised of standardized questionnaires for obtaining information from households and children, blood lead test (capillary or venous sample), and environmental sample (dust, soil, and water). Outcome measures - The outcomes included blood levels of lead and the frequency of elevated blood levels of lead in children. 4 Study 2: “Prevalence and risk factors of elevated blood lead levels in 0-6-year-old children” Recruitment methods - Li et al. (2025) performed a national cross-sectional study. The researchers employed stratified cluster random sampling among 15 provinces in China to recruit participants for their study. Experimental design - The study followed a cross-sectional design with face-to-face interviews. Data collection instruments - Instruments used for data collection included a questionnaire about sociodemographic variables, behavioral characteristics, and living conditions along with venous blood sampling to determine lead levels and anthropometric measurements. Outcome measures - Outcome variables included blood lead concentration and high blood lead concentration (BLL ≥ 50 µg/L).