community diagnosis

COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS : 

COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS

INTRODUCTION : 

INTRODUCTION Community diagnosis generally refers to the identification and quantification of health problems in a community as a whole in terms of mortality and morbidity rates and ratios, and identification of their correlates for the purpose of defining those at risk or those in need of health care.

DEFINITION : 

DEFINITION According to WHO definition, it is “a quantitative and qualitative description of the health of citizens and the factors which influence their health. It identifies problems, proposes areas for improvement and stimulates action”.

GOALS : 

GOALS 1) Analyze the health status of the community 2) Evaluate the health resources, services, and systems of care within the community 3) Assess attitudes toward community health services and issues 4) Identify priorities, establish goals, and determine courses of action to improve the health status of the community 5) Establish an epidemiologic baseline for measuring improvement over time.

The process of community diagnosis involves four stages: : 

The process of community diagnosis involves four stages: 1. Initiation 2. Data collection and analysis 3. Diagnosis 4. Dissemination

1. INITIATION : 

1. INITIATION A dedicated committee or working group should be set up to manage and coordinate the project. The committee should involve government departments, health professionals and non-governmental organisations. At an early stage, it is important to identify the available budget and resources to determine the scope of the diagnosis. Some of the common areas to be studied include health status, lifestyles, living conditions, socioeconomic conditions, physical and social infrastructure, inequalities, as well as public health services and policies. Once the scope is defined, a working schedule to conduct the community diagnosis, production and dissemination of report should be set.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS : 

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Population Census and statistical data As for the community data, it can be collected by conducting surveys through self-administered questionnaires, face to face interviews, focus groups and telephone interviews. Collected data can then be analysed and interpreted by experts.

some practical tips on data analysis and presentation: : 

some practical tips on data analysis and presentation: Statistical information is best presented as rates or ratios for comparison Trends and projections are useful for monitoring changes over a time period for future planning Local district data can be compared with other districts or the whole population Graphical presentation is preferred for easy understanding

3. DIAGNOSIS : 

3. DIAGNOSIS Diagnosis of the community is reached from conclusions drawn from the data analysis. It should preferably comprise three areas: Health status of the community Determinants of health in the community Potential for healthy city development

4. DISSEMINATION : 

4. DISSEMINATION The report can be disseminated through the following channels: Presentations at meetings of the health boards and committees, or forums organised for voluntary organisations, local community groups and the general public Press release Thematic events (such as health fairs and other health promotion programmes)

A FLOWCHART DESCRIBING THE COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS PROCESS : 

A FLOWCHART DESCRIBING THE COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS PROCESS

REFERENCES. : 

REFERENCES. Park. K. Preventive and Social Medicine. 20th edition. Banrsidas Bhanot.; Jabalpur. 2009. Answers.com. what is community diagnosis? Retrieved on February 20, 2010 from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_community_diagnosis Pitt. Edu. Community diagnosis. Retrieved on February 20, 2010 from www.pitt.edu/~super7/32011-33001/32491.ppt Healthy cities project. Community diagnosis. Retrieved on February 21, 2010 from http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/hc-community_diagnosis_0010_eng_small.pdf