Abstract
The concept of community health has varying meanings for those in different professional disciplines and for community residents. The aim of this study was to analyze this concept using Rodger's Evolutionary Method of Concept Analysis (2000). The study design included three phases. In Phase I, the attributes of community health, the sociocultural context surrounding its use, and related concepts were identified in professional literature sources. In Phase II, the Phase I results were compared with the attributes of the concept identified in six community health assessment instruments. The findings of the first two phases were then compared with the perceptions of expert informants in community health in the United States. A definition of community health was derived from the professional literature that was not consistently supported in the interviews and community assessment instruments. This definition is: Community health is a dynamic condition defined by its members through participatory action in partnership with professionals defined by the community members and based on the philosophical beliefs of community development and empowerment. Its focus is on health promotion and disease prevention for the entire population within it using an ecological model of health improvement and including broad determinants of health. Based on the needs of each community, community health is defined differently. The context in which community health occurs is rooted in social justice, yet takes place in a global economy with wide disparities in wealth and fewer resources for community development and health improvement. Surrogate terms included "population health" and "public health" and related concepts were community, health, primary health care, and community development. Through the informant interviews and the literature, it was evident that' the concept of community health is applied differently by individuals within and across disciplines. This study offers a foundational definition for future research, education and practice. This concept is central to the improved health of populations and a clear definition of the concept will support clearer communication among and within disciplines and community members.
Sigma Membership
Eta Nu
Type
Dissertation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Philosophical Enquiry
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Community Nursing, Social Justice, Costs of Healthcare
Advisors
Rodgers, Beth L.
Degree
PhD
Degree Grantor
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Degree Year
2006
Recommended Citation
Baisch, Mary Jo, "Analysis and observation of the concept of community health" (2020). Dissertations. 1641.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/dissertations/1641
Rights Holder
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Review Type
None: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2020-06-26
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Description
This dissertation has also been disseminated through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Dissertation/thesis number: 3234893; ProQuest document ID: 304974477. The author still retains copyright.