CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice

The correct answer, which identifies the educational and ecological assessment as part of the PRECEED-PROCEED model, highlights a critical component in evaluating community health initiatives.

In the PRECEED phase of the model, educational and ecological assessments focus on identifying the factors that contribute to a health issue within a community. This involves analyzing both the educational resources available (like knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for health behavior changes) and the ecological components (such as social, economic, and environmental conditions) that influence health outcomes. This dual focus allows health educators to pinpoint what interventions are necessary to promote healthier behaviors and address the contextual factors that support or hinder health improvement.

Through this assessment, health educators can gather comprehensive data that guide the development of strategies tailored to the unique needs of the community, ensuring interventions are both relevant and effective. This foundational step is crucial in establishing a sound basis for subsequent phases of evaluation and implementation as outlined in the model.