Data Presentation &
Interpretation
Summarizing data
Tables
Simplest way to summarize data
Data are presented as absolute numbers or
percentages
Charts and graphs
Visual representation of data
Data are presented as absolute numbers or
percentages
Basic guidance when
summarizing data
Ensure graphic has a title
Label the components of your graphic
Indicate source of data with date
Provide number of observations (n=xx) as a
reference point
Add footnote if more information is needed
Tables: Frequency distribution
Set of categories with numerical counts
Year
Number of births
1900
61
1901
58
1902
75
Tables: Relative frequency
number of values within an interval
total number of values in the table
Year
x 100
# births (n)
Relative frequency (%)
19001909
35
27
19101919
46
34
19201929
51
39
Total
132
100.0
Tables
Percentage of births by decade between 1900 and 1929
Year
Number of births
(n)
Relative frequency
(%)
19001909
35
27
19101919
46
34
19201929
51
39
Total
132
100.0
Source: U.S. Census data, 19001929.
Charts and graphs
Charts and graphs are used to portray:
Trends, relationships, and comparisons
The most informative are simple and selfexplanatory
Use the right type of graphic
Charts and graphs
Bar chart: comparisons, categories of data
Line graph: display trends over time
Pie chart: show percentages or proportional
share
Bar chart
Comparing categories
Percentage of new enrollees tested for HIV at each
site, by quarter
Q1 JanMar
Q2 AprJune
Q3 JulySept
Q4 OctDec
Data Source: Program records, AIDS Relief, January 2009 December 2009.rce:
Quarterly Country Summary: Nigeria, 2008
Has the program met its goal?
Percentage of new enrollees tested for HIV at each site, by
quarter
Target
Data Source: Program records, AIDS Relief, January 2009 December 2009..
quarterly Country Summary: Nigeria, 2008
Stacked bar chart
Represent components of whole & compare wholes
Number of Months Female and Male Patients Have Been
Enrolled in HIV Care, by Age Group
Number of months patients have been enrolled in HIV care
Data source: AIDSRelief program records January 2009 - 20011
Line graph
Displays trends over time
Number of Clinicians Working in Each Clinic During Years 14*
*Includes doctors and nurses
Line graph
Number of Clinicians Working in Each Clinic During Years 1-4*
Y1 1995
Y2 1996
Y3 1997
Zambia Service Provision Assessment, 2007.
*Includes doctors and nurses
Y4 1998
Pie chart
Contribution to the total = 100%
N=150
Interpreting data
Interpreting data
Adding meaning to information by making
connections and comparisons and exploring
causes and consequences
Interpretation relevance of finding
Adding meaning to information by making
connections and comparisons and exploring
causes and consequences
Interpretation relevance of finding
Does the indicator meet the target?
How far from the target is it?
How does it compare (to other time periods,
other facilities)?
Are there any extreme highs and lows in the
data?
Interpretation possible causes?
Supplement with expert opinion
Others with knowledge of the program or target
population
Interpretation consider other data
Use routine service data to clarify questions
Calculate nurse-to-client ratio, review
commodities data against client load, etc.
Use other data sources
Interpretation other data sources
Situation analyses
Demographic and health surveys
Performance improvement data
Interpretation conduct further
research
Data gap
conduct further research
Methodology depends on questions being asked
and resources available
Key messages
Use the right graph for the right data
Tables can display a large amount of data
Graphs/charts visual, easier to detect patterns
Label the components of your graphic
Interpreting data adds meaning by making
connections and comparisons to program
Service data are good at tracking progress &
identifying concerns do not show causality
