Assessing the Health Needs of a Community through Participatory Research

Abstract

Introduction: Each community has unique needs for health care based on the experiences and problems of that community. The health care provider must have an understanding of the needs of the community that s/he is serving. Needs assessment at the community level is of particular importance in the identification of problems presenting at the primary care level. The assessment of these needs must not only be based on objective indicators, but also on the very real requirements of that population. This necessitates a process of participatory research, where the community forms an active partner in the identification of needs.
Method: A household survey was conducted in a peri-urban community using community members as field workers, and assessing needs on a multidisciplinary level.
Results: 337 Questionnaires were analysed. The total surveyed population comprised 1612 people. The demographic profile is that of a poor, urbanised, ageing, Afrikaans, religious community, with a high unemployment figure, dependent on pension schemes and state health services. A significant number regard their health as poor. A 9% acute morbidity was reported. 72.1% of respondents smoke. The study found a high self-reported prevalence of chronic diseases of lifestyle.
Conclusions: Peoples' perception of their own health status influence their decisions about if, when and where health care will be sought. The low self assessed health status is a strong indicator of the need for health care in this community. The prevention, management and rehabilitation of chronic diseases is an important priority for this community. They are in need of holistic care encompassing physical, spiritual, social, economic and ecological dimensions of the community.