Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

In the planning process, what term refers to the group being served?

1. Pilot population

2. Key informants

3. General population

4. Priority population

The correct answer is: Priority population

The term that refers to the group being served in the planning process is "priority population." This concept is essential in public health and program planning because it identifies the specific group that a program is designed to benefit. The priority population is determined based on factors such as the health issue being addressed, the demographic characteristics of the group, and the needs identified through data collection and analysis. By focusing on the priority population, public health professionals can tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of that group, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that health outcomes can be maximized. This approach helps to address health disparities and fosters inclusion by recognizing the specific challenges faced by the priority population. In contrast, the other terms such as 'pilot population,' 'key informants,' and 'general population' do not appropriately capture the essence of the group targeted by an intervention. A pilot population refers to a small group used to test a program before a wider rollout, key informants are individuals providing insights into the needs of a community, and the general population encompasses all individuals in a defined area without focusing specifically on a targeted group for intervention.