University Health Research: Critical Appraisal Report Analysis

This report presents a critical appraisal of two research papers, focusing on the health issue of dental caries in teenagers and its relationship to sugary drink consumption. The report analyzes the authors' framing of the issue, justification for the research, worldview, theory base, research questions, strategies, and methods. It identifies and critiques the strengths and weaknesses of the research approaches, including the use of surveys and data analysis. The analysis covers aspects such as economic support, nutritional awareness, and the extent of tooth decay. The report also discusses the influence of factors such as gender, age, and social determinants of health on the prevalence of dental caries. The research is based on the study by Skinner, J., Byun, R., Blinkhorn, A., & Johnson, G. (2015). Sugary drink consumption and dental caries in New South Wales teenagers.

What need to be
discussed
Is this obvious in the
paper
comments
Has the need for research
been justified
Yes. As per the researchers, it is due to
the lack of oral hygiene and lack of
enough knowledge about the oral
hygiene of the children in the society
has led to the problem of dental
caries amongst the children of both
genders. The lack of researches and
knowledge pertaining to the same
areas has been framed as the need
that justifies the undertaking of the
research.
What is the world view Yes There is an increased consumption of
sugary drink among the teen agers
that leads to dental caries. Lack of
nutritional knowledge, self-care skills
and parental support are the major
issues.
Is there an easy to identify
theory base?
Yes The theory base is clear and
observable.
Is there a clear research
question/hypothesis
No. It is implicated.
Is there a clear stated
research
strategy(approach?)
Yes It is explanatory and quantitative.
What are the methods
where by data is
collected?
Yes. A survey was used to collect the data
and a data analysis based on three
components of economic support,
nutritional awareness and extent of
tooth decay was done.
Strengths/weaknesses Yes The strength was that the study
identified the right factors that
affected the prevalence of dental
caries in the adolescents, consuming
sugary drinks.
Weakness was that there was biases
and digression that certain part of
the study.