On this guide
Welcome!
This guide is here to help you find the resources available to you through NU Library as well as free and web-based resources relevant to you public health research. The page you are on now, contains key resources to get started.
Please explore the other tabs/pages for more. Edits and updates will occur throughout the year, so be sure to check back.
Given that public health can be interdisciplinary, the possibilities are extensive. I have done my best to bring the most common but I can not claim that it is fully comprehensive. If you aren't finding what you need, please reach out to me. I'd be happy to help find what you need.
Key Databases for Public Health Research
Highlighted here are 3 of the "Best Bet" databases for publications on health related topics. Public Health covers a broad range of subjects which means that beyond these resources there may be a need to look at other subjects and disciplines. Additional recommendations can be found on the Find articles, literature page. There is even more in our A to Z database list.
- PubMed (NU customized) This link opens in a new windowA comprehensive source of journal literature in the life sciences and biomedicine from the National Library of Medicine. Includes selected full text from PubMed Central, and NCBI Bookshelf. PubMed is a free web resource, however this version contains links to Northeastern-subscribed journals that require a login.
- Public Health Database (Proquest) This link opens in a new windowCore public health literature with access to 500 full-text publications and 9,000 dissertations as well as research reports and newspaper articles.
- CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new windowCitations and abstracts of scholarly, peer-reviewed articles and professional association news and information for thousands of publications. Covers nursing and 17 allied health disciplines, going as far back as 1937. Links to PDFs or full text for Northeastern-subscribed journals.
Things to consider
Want to understand a little more about searching or how to evaluate what you find? check these resources out:
- Databases vs. Search Engines [pdf]What is the difference? You put search terms in and get results...right? BUT, there are some significant differences.
- Evaluating information. Is it mis/disinformation?What is an infodemic? How do your sort through and find reliable information related to health!?
Current Events-News Sources
News sources for current events and health topics.
- Stat PlusRequires registration with your Northeastern email.
Provides in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis. Coverage includes Wall Street news, policy developments in Washington, early science breakthroughs, clinical trial results, and health care disruption... - Kaiser Health NewsKHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. KHN reports on how the health care system — hospitals, doctors, nurses, insurers, governments, consumers — works.
- MedPage TodayMedPage Today is a trusted source for clinical news coverage across the medical specialties. MedPageToday covers clinical news, findings, and announcements that will directly affect the lives and practices of health care professionals throughout the U.S.
Newspapers:
Available United States papers include Boston Globe, New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Archives and collections of smaller and special are also available through Northeastern Library subscriptions.
- Find more NewspapersFind all of the newspapers Northeastern University Library subscribes to.
Health Summaries
- Congressional District Health DashboardFind your district within your state to get summaries of health data, such as air pollution or binge drinking.
Research Methods and Guidance
Need tools or guidance for research? This resource includes interviews, videos, books to learn about qualitative vs quantitative methods, research funding, Tools include project planners and how to decide which stats test to use.
- Sage Research Methods This link opens in a new windowAn online collection of information for beginning and advanced researchers looking for the best methods to use in their research. Full access to Books & Reference, Cases Part 1, Datasets Part 1, and Video: Practical Research and Academic Skills.