J Karimi, K Holakouie Naieni, E Ahmadnezhad,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (7-2012)
Abstract
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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K Holakouie -Naieni K, M Ahmadi Pishkuhi, T Shafieezadeh, H Salehiniya, B Pooya,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Community assessment is a key tool for improving and promoting the health of the community. The role of community assessment is to identify the most important factors affecting the population health. To get a comprehensive picture of problems, priorities and suggested community health action plans in Iran, this review aims to summarize community assessments in various areas of Iran conducted between 1992 – 2013.
Methods: This study was a retrospective review in which community assessments were compared and the results of several studies conducted in different regions of the country covering both rural and urban health centers were analyzed. Since 1999, department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has conducted these community assessments in eight phases and follows 2002 North Carolina Community Health Assessment model. Assessment teams typically included MPH students and/ or PhD and masters (epidemiology) students from the School of Public Health. Data was collected through observation, interview, and focus group discussion. Assessment teams in each region prioritized the list of problems using Hanlon method and Nominal Group Technique.
Results: The results identified substance abuse, economical, and water-related problems as the most important problems in different parts of the country which indicates the need for developing a comprehensive action plan andimplementing measures.
Conclusion: A review of the community assessments performed in this study shows the ability of community assessment to detect community health problems in all aspects. Therefore, this approach is recommended to evaluate and prioritize health problems and to formulate action plans.
M Saatchi, Mh Panahi, A Ashraf Mozafari, M Sahebkar, A Azarpakan, V Baigi, K Holakouie Naieni ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The awareness of the health knowledge level of a population and the weaknesses in people's health literacy is essential for educational planning. This community assessment study, which was conducted to develop an appropriate infrastructure for educational planning, examined the level of health literacy in Hormuz Island’s residents.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was done on a sample of people over 18 years in Hormuz Island. Data were collected by two questionnaires which included basic information such as age, sex, marital status, age at marriage, and also indirect questions regarding the economic status of the individuals. Also, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adult (S-TOFLHA) was used to measure the patient's ability to read and understand health-related concepts. The linear regression analysis was performed.
Results: The data provided by 486 individuals were analyzed in this study. The mean age was 39 years (18-79) and 48% were female. The mean household size was 4.5 people. The mean score of the subjects was 58.06. Thirty-five percent had less-than-sufficient health literacy, 18.21% had sufficient health literacy, 12.29% had insufficient, and 7.14% had higher health literacy. Education level (P<0.001), economic status (P<0.001), and age (P<0.001) were the main variables influencing health literacy in the sample.
Conclusion: Community assessment showed that older age groups did not have sufficient health literacy. Low economic status accompanied by low levels of literacy makes individuals less motivated to improve their health knowledge and, consequently, leads to low levels of health literacy in Hormuz.
