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

Abstract #57369

Michele Lempa, MPH, ABD¹, Robert Goodman, PhD, MPH, MA¹, Adam B. Becker, PhD, MPH¹, and Janet Rice, PhD². (1) Community Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, SL-29, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-585-7100, mlempa@tulane.edu, (2) Department of Biostatistics, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St., 20th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112

This presentation will describe the development, analysis, and refinement of a survey instrument measuring the capacity of community-based projects. Constructs such as community capacity and social capital are theorized to be protective of health when they are present and deleterious to health in their absence. Identifying dimensions within these concepts contributes to an understanding of how they are related to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Such an understanding can help public health researches, practitioners, and community members to take action to reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and improve health and well-being. The goal of this study was to develop a scaled instrument measuring community capacity at the organizational level, particularly among community-based and grassroots initiatives. Data obtained during a qualitative study of capacity among community-based initiatives in New Orleans, LA were used to develop a pool of scaled items. The items were structured into a self-administered survey, which was tested on a national sample of community-based initiatives. Exploratory principle component analysis and factor analysis examined the data for emerging factor structures and their associated variables. The instrument resulting from this study is a quantitative scale measuring aspects of community capacity important to organizations. Administered in a participatory assessment process in conjunction with qualitative methods of assessment (e.g., individual and group interviews, observation), this instrument can provide valuable information for community-based organizations, community members and public health practitioners and researchers working to identify community assets and build upon those assets for the betterment of communities.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session the participants in this session will be able to:
• 1.Describe the qualitative and quantitative methods used to develop a scaled measure of capacity of community-based projects.
• 2.Describe the methods used to develop a quantitative survey on capacity with participation from community and academic representatives
• 3.Discuss how the survey could be used in their communities to enhance the ability to enact an effective community health initiative.
• 4.Identify the role of a quantitative survey in a participatory assessment process.

Keywords: Community Capacity,

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.