Epi Info and InfoPath Data Analysis for Kenyan Bloggers (2025)
Learn how to use Epi Info and Microsoft InfoPath for data-driven blogging in Kenya, with a focus on public health and protest-related reporting. Click each section to explore features, applications, and safety tips.
Epi Info: Data Analysis Techniques
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Overview: Epi Info, developed by the CDC, is a free tool for public health data collection and statistical analysis, ideal for outbreak investigations and surveillance. Note: Support ends September 30, 2025.
- Modules for Analysis:
- Classic Analysis: Statistical toolbox for frequenciesCounts of categorical data, e.g., injury types., means, cross-tabulations (chi-square, odds ratios), and advanced stats like logistic regressionModels binary outcomes, e.g., injury vs. no injury..
- Visual Dashboard: Interactive interface for charts (bar, scatter) and complex survey analysis.
- Map Module: Visualizes data geographically, e.g., mapping protest injuries.
- Statistical Techniques: Descriptive stats (means, medians), inferential tests (t-tests, ANOVA), and survival analysis.
- Data Management: Import/export (Excel, SPSS), clean data with validation tools.
- Visualization: Bar charts, scatter plots, and maps for trends like cholera outbreaks.
- Use Case: Analyze 2024 Finance Bill protest injuries by region using cross-tabulations and maps.
- Safety Note: Use pseudonyms and encrypted storage (e.g., Proton Drive) to avoid surveillance risks.
InfoPath: Data Analysis Techniques
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Overview: Microsoft InfoPath is a form-creation tool for structured data collection, integrated with SharePoint. It’s not designed for statistical analysis. Support ends July 2026.
- Form-Based Data Collection: Create forms with text, dropdowns, and validation rules.
- Basic Analysis: Use calculated fields for sums/averages; export to Excel for pivot tablesSummarizes data by categories, e.g., arrests by region..
- Visualization: Export to Excel or Power BI for charts; no native visualization.
- Data Management: Export to XML/Excel, integrate with SharePoint.
- Use Case: Collect anonymous protest incident reports and analyze in Excel.
- Safety Note: Use VPNs (e.g., NordVPN) and encrypted environments to prevent data interception.
Comparison of Epi Info and InfoPath
| Feature | Epi Info | InfoPath |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Epidemiological data collection and advanced statistical analysis | Form creation and basic data collection |
| Analysis Capabilities | T-tests, ANOVA, logistic regression, survival analysis | Basic calculations, relies on Excel/Power BI |
| Visualization | Bar charts, scatter plots, maps | None natively; export to Excel/Power BI |
| Data Management | Robust cleaning, validation, import/export | Basic validation, XML/Excel export |
| Cost | Free (open-source) | Requires Microsoft licenses |
| Support Status | Ends Sept 30, 2025 | Ends July 2026 |
Practical Example
Scenario: Analyzing 2024 Finance Bill protest injuries.
Recommendations for Kenyan Bloggers
- Epi Info: Use for public health analysis (e.g., protest injuries). Download from CDC and use Form Designer.
- InfoPath: Use for simple form-based data collection if in Microsoft ecosystem. Export to Excel/Power BI.
- Transition Planning: Explore EpiData, R, or Power Apps due to support ending (Epi Info: 2025, InfoPath: 2026).
- Safety Integration: Use 2FA, VPNs, and encrypted storage (e.g., Proton Drive) to comply with Kenya’s Data Protection Act and avoid surveillance.
- Training: Attend workshops by Paradigm Initiative or BAKE.
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