Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #102225

Maria Lopez, MPH, MS, School of Social Welfare and Prevention Research Center, The University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12203, 518-442-5815, ml76epid@yahoo.com

This study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for community analysis and identified the availability of food sources for successful diabetes prevention and self-management. The study focused on one Latino community and found that there were few dedicated food stores and fewer sources that were geographically accessible. Also, barriers existed for mobility for disabled and non-disabled pedestrians. Convenient access to appropriate food sources has been found to be an essential component for diabetes prevention and self-management.

Using GIS as a methodology to identify issues of access to food sources offers a more detailed and richer perspective for identifying and developing community interventions for specific populations. A randomly distributed Latino sample was selected from census block level data using a random numbers table. Using a systematic sampling technique, a total of 11 block groups (N=34 blocks) were selected. Data from a selection of stores that sell food were obtained via on-line sources and neighborhood canvassing. A sample of 35 stores in Amsterdam, NY had latitude and longitude data recorded using a global positioning system (GPS) device. Data was collected that used questionnaires about food and street characteristics in order to integrate socio-environmental information into GIS.

GIS allows geographic data to be stratified at the neighborhood and census block level. Additionally, it allows analysis for visual representation of data that could be more easily understood by researchers, community advocates and policy decision makers. Furthermore, spatial analysis data of a community's resources allows for identifying disparities and developing community interventions for specific populations.

Learning Objectives:

• •Articulate the rationale for using GIS as an environmental-needs assessment tool.
• •Discuss how the use of GIS and its supporting determinants are integrated in cross-sectional surveys.
• •Describe the application of GIS in reporting demographic and environmental determinants of health in a community.

Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.