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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Stephen R. Simpson, MPH Candidate¹, Emily J. Becker, MPH Candidate¹, Elizabeth J. Emery, MPH Candidate¹, Joan Henkle, DNS, RN¹, and Pauline Shen, MBA, MPH². (1) Department of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1050 Wishard Blvd., RG 4100, Indianapolis, IN 46202, (317) 924-9612, strsimps@iupui.edu, (2) Tippecanoe County Health Department, 629 N 6th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901

Chronic diseases impart a substantial economic and social burden in the United States. To assess this burden at the community level, the Tippecanoe County Health Department, located in northwestern Indiana, requested the collection of baseline chronic disease data to supplement existing data for those 50 years of age and older. To fulfill this need, Indiana University Department of Public Health graduate students conducted a health assessment among Tippecanoe County residents aged 25-50 years old (n=321). Chronic disease indicators such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and high cholesterol were of particular interest; additional health indicators, such as exercise patterns, nutrition, and access to healthcare were also assessed. The data were collected via a random digit dial telephone survey conducted at the Purdue University Social Research Institute (SRI) computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) lab. The survey consisted of validated questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The survey revealed the following prevalence of chronic diseases in Tippecanoe County among 25-50 year olds: high cholesterol, 16.8%; hypertension, 14.6%; chronic back pain, 14.6%; asthma 12.5%; arthritis, 11.5%; cancer, 5.9%; diabetes, 5.0%; chronic lung disease, 4.4%; chronic heart disease, 2.5%; and stroke, 2.2%. These data are intended to be incorporated, with that of prior research initiatives, into a database that serves as a statistically reliable representation of the health status of Tippecanoe County residents. The county health department will develop future health prevention programs and follow-up assessments based on these findings.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1. Articulate the process of developing a validated telephone survey using questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to assess the health status of a local population. 2. Analyze five (
• chronic disease indicators commonly identified using a computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) software system. 3. Describe how data from community health assessments can be utilized to develop health education programs.

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Local Public Health Agencies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered