In a needs assessment for a drug prevention program, which collected data type is considered primary data?

Primary data refers to information that is collected firsthand for a specific purpose or research study. It is typically gathered through methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or focus groups, which provide direct insights into a particular issue or population.

In the context of a needs assessment for a drug prevention program, the rates of prescription drug use in the community represent primary data because this information is likely gathered through direct means specific to that locality. For example, a researcher might conduct surveys or interviews with community members to understand their prescription drug usage patterns. This direct collection allows program planners to identify specific needs and tailor interventions to address those needs effectively.

In contrast, the other options involve secondary data or contextual data gathered from existing sources. Trends in prescription drug abuse nationally and state data regarding prescription drug abuse are examples of secondary data, as they are statistics or findings that have been previously collected and published by other researchers or governmental bodies. While these can inform a needs assessment, they do not reflect the immediate context of the community in question. Additionally, costs of drug abuse can provide helpful insights into the broader implications of substance use but do not directly indicate usage rates or behaviors specific to the target population being assessed.