Public health utilizes community-based involvement in order to implement positive lifestyle changes. Therefore, information regarding how the public defines communities and their attitudes toward neighborhoods may be critical components in accomplishing health-related goals. Drawing on data received from the dietary change program implemented in religious organizations, we will present information regarding the populations' identification with community groups (specifically, how pertinent these groups are in providing a personal sense of belonging). Completed surveys (n=758) were used for this analysis, collected from religious organizations recruited to participate in a randomized, dietary change program. The questions focused on neighbors, faith community, friends outside neighborhood, family within 30miles, family further than 30 miles, people at employment, and people in clubs/organizations. For each group, participants indicated how important each group helped in providing a sense of belonging or comfort in their community, on a scale of 1-5(5=very much). We found that the majority of participants (50.8%) defined their neighborhoods as 1-6 blocks surrounding their homes. Respondents gave very high importance to the following community groups of people: faith communities (53.8%), friends living outside the neighborhood (53.6%), family within 30 miles (59.4%), and family further than 30 miles (48%). Less importance was given to neighbors (31.9%), people at employment (16.6%), and people in clubs/ organizations (26.9%). This data will contribute in identifying communities and support systems that have the most beneficial impact for health promotion programs.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: , Community-Based Care
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.