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Assessing public health performance in Iowa's counties
J E Rohrer1, D Dominguez, M Weaver
1Graduate Program, Hospital and Health Administration, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice : JPHMP
|April 7, 1997
Summary
Local health agencies in Iowa show significant gaps in core public health functions, particularly Assessment and Policy Development. Performance in Assurance functions varied, with public education being the strongest area.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Community Health
Background:
- Local health agencies are crucial for community well-being.
- Assessing the performance of these agencies is vital for identifying service gaps.
- Previous studies have examined public health practices in other states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of public health practices in Iowa's local health agencies.
- To identify specific areas of strength and weakness in public health functions.
- To compare Iowa's rural county performance with national data.
Main Methods:
- A statewide survey of local health agencies in Iowa was conducted.
- Response rates from 97 percent of counties were achieved.
- Performance indicators for Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance functions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Less than 50 percent of counties met indicators for Assessment functions.
- Policy Development functions were also frequently underperformed.
- Assurance functions showed varied performance, with public education being highest (86%), but management, implementation, and evaluation were less frequent.
- Iowa's rural counties mirrored performance profiles of rural counties in six other states.
Conclusions:
- Significant performance deficits exist in key public health functions within Iowa.
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve Assessment and Policy Development.
- The Assurance function requires strengthening beyond public education efforts.