Using community-based participatory techniques to develop and disseminate a cross-sectional survey to assess community-specific quality of life

A 2006 cross-sectional study was conducted to assess quality of life (QOL) based on a list of community-specific indicators. One area of emphasis in assessing QOL was overall health and well-being. Of the 643 individuals (response rate = 42% with 3.8% sampling error) who completed t he 2006 assessment survey, 93% of adults (under 65 years of age) and 79% of seniors (65 and older) self-reported that their overall health was good or better. In reviewing at risk factors for infant and maternal mortality, 95% of women stated that they had received prenatal care during the first trimester. In assessing prevalence of chronic diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure were above the Healthy People 2010 goals for both adults and seniors. Only 18% of adults and 20% of seniors stated that they engaged in physical activity for at least 30 minutes for 5 or more days per week, below the Healthy People 2010 goal of 30%. In assessing nutrition, 20% of adults and 40% of seniors stated that they ate at least 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily compared to the Healthy People goal of 50%. Based on state statistics for tobacco use, over twice as many people within the community (28% in the city and 24% in the county) used tobacco in comparison to the 12% goal set by Healthy People 2010. Based on the 2006 assessment, there is a clear need to set health goals and prioritize health services within the community.