Objective: To assist the Broward Coalition for Eliminating Disparities in HIV Disease develop and deliver effective community-level interventions for racial and ethnic minority populations at increased risk of HIV infection, public health graduate students at Florida International University conducted community analyses of 30 neighborhoods in fall 2000 as part of a class project. Methods: Students used three approaches to obtain and analyze small-area data within 12 zip-code areas targeted for interventions. They (1) collected demographic, health indicator, and resource data from existing sources; (2) performed windshield surveys to provide neighborhood-based rapid ethnographic assessments; and (3) engaged in street outreach by initiating conversations with residents who appeared to be between 18 and 39 years of age and either African-, Caribbean- or Hispanic-American. Results: Neighborhoods selected for study varied greatly in terms of characteristics. For example, the South Central neighborhood of Hollywood was ethnically diverse, but had a strong sense of community and a long-standing, effective neighborhood association. In contrast, Washington Park (Hollywood) was largely Caribbean-Islander, with a weaker sense of community togetherness and no established neighborhood association. Yet, both neighborhoods were experiencing similar social problems (i.e., drug abuse, prostitution, and infrastructure deterioration) that must be addressed with community-level interventions. Conclusions: Performing neighborhood-based studies benefited graduate students by providing them with hands-on field experience in conducting a needs assessment, face-to-face interviews, and formative evaluations required to translate a community action plan into implementation. Students are continuing to contribute to Coalition efforts by carrying out programmatic, research, and evaluation activities in Broward County.
Learning Objectives: To illustrate how public health students can contribute to program planning and evaluation projects that address health disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations.
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.