Use of community analysis methods in community-wide intervention programs

Successful implementation of large scale health intervention programs aimed at heart disease or cancer prevention require prior analysis and understanding of community structure, organization and influence networks. Systematic sociological analysis facilitates the health program entry process. Survey results are used to build acceptance, participation and to design educational programs. Specific methods used to assess the community's social configuration, organizational resources, and leadership patterns are described. Local leader identification process and participation in community advisory boards is presented. Approaches to the study of community are reviewed in the context of the Minnesota Heart Health Project, a ten year research and demonstration program to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease in three U.S.A. cities.