Which is the most effective way to determine if Healthy People 2020 is improving the health of Americans?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Effectiveness of Healthy People 2020 depends on the availability of reliable baseline and continuing data to characterize health problems and evaluate goal achievement. Surveillance is crucial. Without surveillance data, there is no relatable data available. Increased financing will not assist in determining if the health of Americans is improving. Although it is important for individuals to be willing to share health information so that data collection can be completed, individual health information alone will not be an effective determinant of the health of Americans.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs, D) establish causality by controlling confounding through randomization and intervention. Cohort (B) and case-control (C) studies suggest associations, while cross-sectional (A) studies assess prevalence, not causation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A control group (C) provides a baseline to compare outcomes, assessing exposure effects. A and B apply to trials, D is unrelated.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A risk factor (C) increases disease likelihood (e.g., smoking for lung cancer). A is causation, B reduces risk, D is intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Etiology (B) is the study of disease causes (e.g., bacteria for TB). A, C, and D are consequences or responses.