Political constraints in conducting a county-level women's health needs assessment

Background: Examining women's health outcomes and resources within communities involves a comprehensive life-span approach. Research and policy initiatives utilize established health indicators for morbidity/mortality and access to care outcomes. Researchers at USF College of Public Health were consulted by the Hillsborough County (Florida) Commission on the Status of Women to prepare a report reviewing issues and needs and to make recommendations.

Purpose: To review the results from the status of women's health report and to examine the difficulties involved when translating research into community practice. Struggles in conducting this type of county-commissioned research and political and structural barriers are explored.

Methods: Mixed-method data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants and secondary data research comparing health indicators at national, state and county levels.

Results: Various key issues in women's health were established: increased need for services due to population growth; racial and ethnic disparities among chronic diseases; unequal distribution of access to services and transportation; and underutilization of the unique county health care plan. However, logistical impediments and political restrictions influenced the wording and prioritization of recommendations, especially those concerning comprehensive school health and family planning services. Moreover, requirements to omit abortions services and the strategic delay in the delivery of the report highlighted the political limitations inherent in commissioned research.

Conclusion: Health disparities and special at-risk populations were identified as leading concerns. This study demonstrated the difficulties involved in translating data-driven research to county officials. Removal of political constraints is crucial in advancing women's health.