A qualitative and quantitative study on the service needs of residents in the multi-cultural community of Mountain View, Alaska

Background and Purpose: Mt. View (MV) is the most diverse neighborhood in Anchorage, Alaska with over 45 distinct nationalities. It is also the most economically distressed neighborhood with high crime rates, low rates of home ownership, and high percentage of families living below the poverty line. This study explores the health and social service needs of MV residents and identifies their strengths to help build capacity to address those needs. Methods: We conducted a community-based participatory research study using a mixed methods approach, surveying 101 youth and adults, for the quantitative portion of our study, and conducting 6 focus group discussions and 14 in-depth interviews with residents of diverse ethnic backgrounds, for the qualitative portion of our study. We performed descriptive statistical analysis for our quantitative data and thematic analysis for our qualitative data. Results: Survey showed that the most important needs in MV community include educational services, social services, mentorship for youth, immigration and refugee services, and immigration services. Based on focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, the strengths of MV residents include its diversity, engagement in community, and persistence to improve their community. The challenges in MV community include violence, drugs, juvenile delinquency, and lack of housing and jobs. Conclusion: Study findings suggest that the MV community would benefit from the increase in community events promoting diversity awareness, culturally sensitive health and social service coordinators who work with the community to overcome barriers, and bi-cultural/bi-lingual bilingual navigators aiding in outreach efforts, among other solutions to problems and needs.