A comprehensive community health report shows fewer Quad Cities residents are dying from heart disease and strokes, but a high percentage of area adults remain above a healthy weight.
These health indicators were among findings in the 2018 Community Health Assessment, released September 12, that is a data-driven approach to determining the health status, behaviors and needs of residents in the Quad Cities area. The study is a follow-up to similar studies conducted since 2002 and builds upon a long history of collaboration between local health providers and public health systems. The report’s data sources include telephone and internet surveys, area focus groups, and community-based surveys.
"These findings renew the significance of promoting healthy behaviors such as healthy eating and physical activity," said Daniel Joiner, Director Community Engagement, UnityPoint Health-Trinity. "We invite new partners to join us in efforts to create a culture of wellness and to advance community projects such as QCHI’s Be Healthy QC coalition.”
The assessment identified 13 “areas of opportunity” for health partners and the larger community (listed in alphabetical order):
access to healthcare services
- cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease and stroke
- housing
- infant health and family planning
- injury and violence
- kidney disease
- mental health
- nutrition, physical activity and weight
- oral health
- substance abuse
- tobacco use
In particular, the report also showed fewer Quad-Citians smoke and more have health insurance coverage. The Quad Cities also fares better than the national average on selected indicators, including the percentage of adults who have visited a dentist in the past year, infant mortality and leisure time physical activity.
Key to the assessment is that a person’s economic, educational, and employment status — collectively, among other factors, called the social determinants of health — have a significant impact on physical and mental health.
"It is very important to understand how issues such as income and education levels influence health status," said Tom Bowman, CEO, Community Health Care, Inc. “In order to improve health we need to continue to work collaboratively across sectors to address the holistic needs of individuals and families.”
The 2018 Community Health Assessment included a community survey of more than 1,100 individuals in Scott, Rock Island and Muscatine counties, extensive secondary data analysis and the gathering of input from local community members. The data were collected in a partnership with Community Health Care, Inc., Genesis Health System, Muscatine County Board of Health, Quad City Health Initiative, Rock Island County Health Department, Scott County Health Department and UnityPoint Health-Trinity.
"Through the Quad City Health Initiative, community partners collaborate on efforts to create a healthy community. This is our fifth comprehensive community health assessment conducted since 2002 and in each cycle we’ve refined our approach to collect critical data for community health improvement,” said Nicole Carkner, Executive Director, Quad City Health Initiative.
With funding provided by Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health-Trinity, the partners hired Professional Research Consultants of Omaha, Nebraska, to conduct a survey, analyze data and provide a comprehensive report. In addition, using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework, the partners completed local qualitative assessments addressing Community Themes & Strengths, the Local Public Health System and Forces of Change. The integrated process leveraged best practices in assessment methodology and the study was designed to provide comparative data at the state and national levels.
"Our collaborative assessment process recognizes the critical role of all community sectors in creating a healthy community," said Tiffany Tjepkes, Community Health Coordinator, Scott County Health Department.
“The process aligns health systems and public health and is a great opportunity for our community," said Nita Ludwig, Administrator, Rock Island County Health Department. "The comprehensive assessment provides data for the entire region that can be used to improve the health of all Quad-Citians."
One addition to the process this year was the collection of data from Muscatine County in addition to Rock Island and Scott counties. “We welcomed this opportunity to join the collaborative community health assessment process and connect our regional efforts,” said Christy Roby Williams, Director of Public Health, UnityPoint Health-Trinity Muscatine.
“The 2018 Community Health Assessment is a resource for the entire community”, said Henry Marquard, Governmental and Community Relations Officer, Genesis Health System. “What we learned during the health assessment process is a foundation for continued community dialogue about the future of our community. We hope the data will be helpful to local organizations in their own planning and we look forward to exploring new collaborative ideas for projects and policies that will advance our Quad-Cities region.”
The partners invite comments on the final draft of the assessment report via an online survey that will be available through Sept. 26. The assessment and public comment survey are posted at quadcities.healthforecast.net.
Questions about the 2018 Community Health Assessment may be directed to the Quad City Health Initiative, which will be working with the study sponsors to improve health status and quality of life through ongoing projects and community assessments. Please visit qchealthinitiative.org for more information.
