20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
North Central Missouri Regional Health Needs Assessment
Peter M. Guirguis*, Emily M. Krogmann, Emily M. Forsyth, Carolyn R. DeCarli, and Tara L. Osseck
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
The purpose was to gain insight into the health needs of rural north Missouri communities based on their perceptions of what public health department services were available to them. County health departments can use this information to increase public awareness of services and address community health concerns. A health needs assessment survey was mailed to a random sample of 4500 households in nine rural counties of north central Missouri. A second mailing was conducted for non-respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in this study The most important lifestyle-related health risks reported were child abuse and neglect, illicit drug use/binge drinking, and obesity. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes were the diseases of most concern to the respondents. The top environmental concerns were drinking water quality, restaurant food safety, and crime prevention. Most residents (about 65%) were satisfied with their health department. This research was conducted at Truman State University.
Keywords: health, assessment, survey, rural, Missouri
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-30
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm