The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60272

Elizabeth Rossmann Beel, MPH¹, Chindavanh Vongsavath, BSN, RN², Witold M. Migala, MPH, PhD¹, Michael J. Kazda, MA³, and Jessica D. Martinez, MPH¹. (1) Epidemiology & Assessment, City of Fort Worth Public Health Department, 1800 University Dr., Ste 216, Fort Worth, TX 76107, (2) Fort Worth Independent School District, 100 N. University, Fort Worth, TX 76107, (3) Department of Public Health, City of Fort Worth, 1800 University Drive, Room 218, Fort Worth, TX 76107

An essential function of public health is the assessment and mitigation of conditions that threaten the health of underrepresented citizens. After annexation of a neighborhood consisting mainly of Laotian immigrants, a comprehensive needs assessment was undertaken to identify health needs and assets within the area. Culturally and linguistically matched interviewers administered face-to-face surveys (n=74) to systematically capture citizen needs and prioritize health issues facing this community. A geographic information system was utilized to define the boundary of the survey area and to efficiently target residential sectors of the area, as well as to illustrate findings. Results identified several health disparities among the Laotian population and comparable local and national assessments. Disparities included access to health care, with one-third of the Laotian community lacking health insurance and nearly 30% of children lacking required immunizations. Chronic diseases including heart problems and arthritis, as well as risk factors such as obesity, were reported at prevalences three times higher than local/national levels. Driven by the results of the assessment, outreach teams and other community partners were mobilized to address the specific health and social needs identified by the residents. As a supplemental benefit of the survey process, public health workers were able to establish themselves as a resource for community health information, planning, and promotion for a population that has historically been disenfranchised with regard to health needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a community needs assessment process in an Asian immigrant/refugee residential area; Assess the disparities between Laotian residents and the total population in a major urban region; Discuss intervention techniques and programs appropriate to this population.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Community Health Assessment

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.