What it was like as a community member to review 700+ questions in preparation for an urban community health survey: A community member's perspective on the review process as a member of the Community Advisory Council

 Introduction

In response to growing health inequalities, Sinai Health System (SHS) conducted a survey that has altered the way public health data are used in Chicago.   In 2002 and 2003, the SHS research arm, Sinai Urban Health Institute (SUHI), collaborated with several community organizations, residents and local leaders to complete one the largest door-to-door health surveys in Chicago, titled Sinai’s Improving Community Health Survey.  In 2014, SUHI was granted $1.4 million by the Chicago Community Trust to complete an even larger community health survey in conjunction with the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Method 

For the 2014 survey, SUHI’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was comprised of a group of individuals who live and/or worked in the ten Chicago communities that will be surveyed.  From October 2013 through November 2013, the CAC met six times for two hours each session.  The committee members reviewed consent forms and approximately 700 proposed questions.   Suggestions were made as to which questions to add, keep, discard or adapt to the cultural needs of each community. 

Discussion

As a community member representing Chicago Lawn, one of the 10 surveyed areas, my most significant contribution was making sure that my community’s voice was heard in the formulation of the survey.  Community members’ suggestions made the survey more relevant and the survey results will assist in the creation of effective interventions that will ultimately, improve the health and well-being of numerous communities.