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

Abstract #69592

Judith A. Hager Belfiori, MPH, MA, Family and Community Medicine, Family Health Outcomes Project, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California St., Suite 365, San Francisco, CA 94118, 415 502-3247, jhager@itsa.ucsf.edu and Geraldine Oliva, MD MPH, Family Health Outcomes Project, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 365, San Francisco, CA 94118.

The University of California San Francisco Family Health Outcomes Project (FHOP) has written a planning guide "Developing an Effective Planning Process: A Guide for Local MCH Programs". The guide presents a framework for and methods and tools to assist in the process of performing a systematic problem analysis. These have been used by FHOP, state and local public health agency staff with diverse groups in various agency and community settings. Through these experiences, the problem analysis framework and methodology have been refined. The process for a formal problem analysis incorporates analysis of the epidemiology of a problem, identifies direct and indirect precursors and risk factors and identifies causal pathways that lead to or protect against poor health outcomes. These pathways can be used to identify potential intervention points and strategies. This presentation will 1) summarize the six steps of a problem analysis, 2) discuss the use of an inclusive process to build partnerships and involve consumers, 3) highlight the importance of understanding the relative contribution of a precursor (cause or risk factor) and the magnitude of its presence in the community, 4) show how a problem analysis process helps to target resources to interventions which will yield the greatest impact, and 5) illustrate how a problem analysis diagram, constructed during a group process, was used to identify key lifestyle, behavioral and social factors contributing to infant low birth weight. We will also make recommendations about conducting an effective process and avoiding pitfalls.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify the 6 steps of a formal problem analysis process
• Recognize the value of applying this systematic and inclusive process to target public health resources to interventions with the greatest potential impact on lifestyle, behavior and social determinants of health
• Describe the utility of this process in working with a collaborative and other planning groups with diverse membership and perspectives

Keywords: Community Planning, Methodology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Family Health Outcomes Project
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment