Online Program

290855
Giving back: Sharing the results of a community health survey to improve community health outcomes


Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Alison Grodzinski, MLIS, Prevention Research Center of Michigan, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Ashley Garrity, MPH, Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Susan Frazier-Kouassi, PhD, Prevention Research Center, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Susan Morrel-Samuels, MA, MPH, Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Marc Zimmerman, PhD, Prevention Research Center of Michigan, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
The Speak To Your Health! (STYH) Community Survey is a biennial community health survey developed collaboratively by community, health department, and university partners of the Prevention Research Center of Michigan (PRC/MI). Guided by the principles of community-based participatory research, sharing the results with residents and community organizations is an essential step for improving community health. In this presentation, we describe three methods used to disseminate the survey results to the community: 1) community presentations, 2) monthly health briefs, and 3) a data website. We present the results of each survey at a community-led event, the most recent of which was an all-day symposium highlighting the findings and featuring speakers from several community organizations. We distribute monthly health briefs, which feature relevant data and local resources, specifically geared toward community residents. We also launched a comprehensive website that provides access to data tables, GIS maps, and health briefs. Over 100 community members have attended each rollout event, including residents, community organization members, and local media. We have produced 27 health briefs, which are distributed to more than 300 community members and partners through email. Since January 2013, 55 community members have registered for the website and accessed or downloaded data. Using multiple methods of dissemination is an effective strategy to ensure that research data is available and accessible to the community. Findings from the STYH Community Survey have been used for health program planning and evaluation, grant proposals, community education, and policy development.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Communication and informatics
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Describe three methods of disseminating community health survey results to residents and stakeholders. Discuss the importance of making data accessible to community stakeholders to support the CBPR process. Explain three ways that sharing research data with community partners can contribute to community health outcomes.

Keyword(s): Community Health Assessment, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am responsible for the development and implementation of the communications strategy for a large academic research center and develop health communications materials for research projects for a variety of audiences. I have over 15 years of experience developing print and electronic material for consumer health. My research interests include health information seeking behavior and Internet health literacy.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.