Jennie Lou, MD, MSc and Carolee Chinshue-Coello, BS, MPH. Master of Public Health Program, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Dr. HPD 1578, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, 954-262-1619, jlou@nova.edu

Port Antonio is a small rural city in Jamaica, with a population of approximately 14,400 residents. The city has only one hospital and one clinic, and neither of them offers fast, reliable, or adequate health care to the local population. A critical needs exists to understand the barriers to access to health care in this underserved area. The objective of this study was to conduct a community needs assessment of the healthcare system in Port Antonio, Jamaica, to provide information in the planning of a community health center in the area.

This needs assessment was conducted through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and a questionnaire survey. Six indepth interviews were conducted. Three focus groups were held. Data were collected and coded to develop categories such as organizational background, staffing issues, service gaps, and proposed improvements, etc. Under each category, a list of the primary health issues was identified. A questionnaire survey was generated based on the data analysis from the indepth interviews and focus groups.

This comprehensive community needs assessment revealed financial, structural and social barriers to access of health care in the target community. The outcome of this study has provided valuable information to the planning of a community health center, which will offer more accessible health care services to the underserved population in Port Antonio, Jamaica.

Learning Objectives: