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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