The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42652

BJ Selwyn, ScD¹, D Caudill, DrPH², CK Shapiro-Mendoza, MPH¹, V Kennedy, PhD³, L Freimanis-Hance, MD, PhD⁴, and PG Bray, PhD⁵. (1) Epidemiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Hermann Pressler, RAS E619, Houston, TX 77030, 713-500-9271, bselwyn@sph.uth.tmc.edu, (2) Consultant, 2200 Dublin Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120, (3) Center for Excellence in Public Health Practice, University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, PO Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, (4) University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston, 7900 Cambridge, Ap. 12-1F, Houston, TX 77054, (5) Community Health Assessment, St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities, 6221 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030

Two rapid assessment methods provided an opportunity for community members to voice their perceptions of their health needs, and to suggest effective solutions to funding agencies and public health officials. The presented project intended to improve child health and well-being in an area of Houston, Texas, by engaging the community in a positive and participatory way that improves the community's capacity to address their health needs.

The Participatory Action Research (PAR), the qualitative study, undertook exercises with 18 Spanish-speaking Hispanic mothers residing in 2 local neighborhoods to elicit their major child health concerns and solutions. Agency personnel facilitated the exercises.

A rapid epidemiologic assessment (REA) provided the quantitative information on the prevalence of child health problems, and triangulated findings from the PAR. We used the WHO rapid cluster sampling technique. Questionnaire content derived directly from PAR findings. Data collectors were local community women who interviewed 218 mothers.

PAR mothers defined 4 child age groups and reported child health issues (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) that were most common and serious. These ranged from diarrhea and lack of a positive environment in infants to alcoholism, drug abuse, gangs, and spiritual rebellion in adolescents. Rich descriptions resulted. In the REA, physical and mental health problems for all age groups were reported. For example, the percentage of mothers reporting common adolescent problems are: 64% for using alcohol, 63% for early sex, 58% for gangs, 45% for sad and depressed teens.

The similarities and differences of findings for the two studies will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. State 2 rapid assessment methods that can be used in assessing child health needs in an urban community.
  6. Describe the benefits of applying a combined qualitative and quantitative approach in assessing community health needs.
  9. Identify the differences in study designs for each method.
  12. Explain the advantages and limitations of each method.
  15. Compare the findings obtained from both methods.

Keywords: Community Participation, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.