The purpose of this assignment is to complete a direct observational assessment of a community in your area. This windshield survey will help you to identify a vulnerable population, an important community health problem, and a related objective for a community in your area. This assignment enables the student to meet the following Course Outcomes. Note: Please do the survey on the attachment.
Title: Direct Observational Assessment of a Community
Introduction:
The goal of this assignment is to conduct a windshield survey, which involves a direct observational assessment of a community in order to identify a vulnerable population, an important community health problem, and a related objective. By employing this assessment method, the assignment aims to meet the following Course Outcomes:
1. Familiarize students with the skills necessary to assess and analyze community health issues.
2. Enable students to identify and evaluate vulnerable populations within a community.
3. Develop students’ ability to formulate community health objectives based on observed health problems.
Methodology:
To conduct a windshield survey, students will observe and document the factors that affect the health and well-being of a community. This assignment requires students to complete a survey, as provided in the attachment, which will serve as a guide for collecting data.
The windshield survey involves systematically observing and recording both the physical and socio-cultural characteristics of a community. This assessment method allows researchers to gain valuable insights into the community’s strengths, limitations, and health-related concerns. The survey is conducted from the perspective of an outsider, as if viewing a community through the “windshield” of a car.
Identification of a Vulnerable Population:
During the windshield survey, students should pay particular attention to identifying any vulnerable populations within the community. A vulnerable population refers to a subgroup of individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes due to various factors such as age, socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, or disability. Examples of vulnerable populations may include the elderly, children, low-income individuals, immigrants, or individuals with chronic illnesses.
Observation of a Community Health Problem:
In addition to identifying a vulnerable population, students should also focus on observing and documenting an important community health problem. A community health problem refers to an issue or condition that affects a significant number of individuals within a community and has a detrimental impact on their well-being. Examples of community health problems may include high rates of obesity, prevalence of substance abuse, lack of access to healthcare services, or the presence of environmental hazards.
Formulation of a Community Health Objective:
Based on the observed vulnerable population and community health problem, students should formulate a community health objective. A community health objective is a measurable and achievable goal that aims to improve the health status of the identified vulnerable population. The objective should be specific, time-bound, and aligned with the community’s needs and resources.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this assignment requires students to conduct a windshield survey, which involves a direct observational assessment of a community. Through this assessment, students can identify a vulnerable population, an important community health problem, and formulate a related objective. By conducting the windshield survey, students will gain valuable insights into community health issues and develop critical thinking skills necessary for addressing public health concerns. The data collected during the survey will serve as the foundation for further analysis and planning of interventions to improve the health outcomes of the identified vulnerable population.