Sample Community Assessment Paper

Community Assessment Focusing on health promotion within a community is essential in preventing disease as well as improving the community’s health status. A community assessment is the initial step in the identification of modifiable health risk factors. The next step is a community nursing diagnoses that will identify a health problem for the nurse intervene. The community nurse plays a key role in initiating change by encouraging the community to take steps toward healthy lifestyle modifications. When the nurse devotes time in educating and motivating the public, the health outcomes are more optimal for the community. This paper will give a general overview of Columbus, Ohio in regards to the demographic make-ups as well as the epidemiologic …show more content…
Fortunately, the infant mortality rate in Franklin County is on the decline and the rates comparable to the early 1990s (Columbus Public Health, 2013). Different races have different infant mortality rates; white 5.92%; black 13.58% (Columbus Public Health, 2013). Disparities exist between the white and black race with black infant mortality rates three times higher than the white race (Columbus Public Health, 2013). The three reasons related to infant deaths are; preterm and low birth weight; birth defects; sudden infant death syndrome (Columbus Public Health, 2013). Overall, preterm births account for 13% of all infant mortality rates in Franklin County in 2013 (Columbus Public Health, …show more content…
According to the Center for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), the National mortality statistics are comparable to that of Franklin County. Driving through the Columbus area, I notice a lot of the fast food establishments, restaurants and local bars. On the contrary, the closest gym is located 15 miles away. According to Brown and O’ Connor (2010), heart disease accounts for 68% of deaths and affects more than a million Americans each year, although it has modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, cigarette smoking, obesity and high cholesterol. As I drive through Columbus pass the bar district, I observed many of the patrons smoking outside the taverns due to laws that prohibit smoking indoors. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), smoking is the leading preventable causes of death effecting nearly 443,000 Americans annually. Smoking is also associated with the increase rate of lung cancer. In addition, air pollution is an immense problem in Franklin County. I observe during rush hour traffic that countless number of cars traveling to their destinations with one driver per a vehicle. Associations have been linked between air pollution and respiratory symptoms such as asthma, preterm births, infant mortality and deficits in lung growth (Baughman et al.,