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Illuminating the characteristics of the population of interest is the first step toward estimating the size of the target population. Target populations may be defined by age and sex (e.g., teen family planning, adolescent health, etc.), program eligibility (e.g., children with special health care needs, SSI, school health clinics, Ryan White Fund, etc.) or income level (e.g., Healthy Start, Medicaid, etc.). |
Populations defined by race, age, sex or income can often be directly estimated using census data.
When population characteristics cannot be measured using census data, topical sample surveys are the next best source of data. However, because we often do not have this type of locally collected data, more complex estimation procedures are required such as indirect or synthetic estimation.