5254.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 5:15 PM

Abstract #23511

Use of Geographic Information System Data for Community Assessments: Information Sharing to Identify the Health Agenda

Anne E. Belcher, DNS, RN, Environments for Health, Indiana Univerisity School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Dr. RM 465, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-274-4750, abelche@iupui.edu, Susan J. Moore, DNS, RN, Family Health, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Dr. Rm 312C, Indianapolis, IN 46202, and Andrew J. Laudick, GIS Coordinator Corporate Information Systems, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, 3838 North Rural St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.

Presentation of community assessment data requested by "Shalom Health Care Centers" to assist with the determination of the health priorities for the neighborhood. Undergraduate nursing students developed a comprehensive asset based assessment using Georgraphic Information System (GIS)data, surveys and focus groups to secure data needed for the community assessment. Findings from the assessment indicated that the population fell in the 18-44 year age group, that 43% of the households were at the federal poverty level or below for 1997, 33% of the births in the area were to mothers under age 20, (compared to a 1997 teen birth rate of 16% for the county). Health priorities were identified for the Shalom Health Care Centers and undergraduate students became comfortable with GIS data as one component of an asset based community assessment. University students can engage in effective partnerships with service providers to enhance provider's effectiveness in meeting community needs. Community assessment data can be coupled with interviews and other techniques to influence the identified health agenda for a neighborhood.

Learning Objectives: 1.Identify the components of an asset based assessment to set the agenda for the Shalom Health Care Centers. 2.Describe the application of the Geographic Information System Data to the community assessment project. 3.Report the findings from the community based assessment for the Shalom Health Care Centers. 4.Discuss the use of Geographic Information System Data as part of the community assessment project for undergraduate nursing students.

Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Community Assets

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Shalom Health Care Centers operated by Indiana University School of Nursing. Marion County Health Department Corporate Information Systems
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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA