Iranian Journal of

Background & Objectives: Community assessment process is the foundation for developing the basis for effective community health strategies. The aim of this study was providing a framework for comprehensive and participatory community assessment in Shahin-Shar, Isfahan, Iran.
Methods: This assessment performed in Shahin Shar city based on some experiences of Community Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics departments of Tehran University of medical sciences since 1989 and North Carolina Community Assessment Guide Book (2002). The community assessment team included wide ranges of key stakeholders and local people. Our community assessment team has three levels of participants: An advisory group, a work group and a project facilitator. Observation, interview, focus group discussion and summary list of health resources used for data collection. The map of asset was also provided. We reported data to community and Hanlon method -based on magnitude of the problem, seriousness of the consequences and feasibility of correcting- was used for selecting health priorities.
Results: Drug abuse, smoking among adults and depression were the important health priorities. After creating community assessment document, Based on the risk factors that contribute to each problem, the health action plans were developed.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that community assessment could be the foundation for improving and promoting the health of community members. It could be the basis for effective community health strategies in Iran .

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