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Running head: WINDSHIELD SURVEY

Windshield Survey Amanda Badgley NURS 340

2 WINDSHIELD SURVEY Windshield Survey Windshield surveys are methodical observations made from a moving vehicle. Windshield surveys provide a quick and easy way to observe a community and evaluate health risks that are present in that community. A windshield survey is a composite of subjective and objective data that help define a community, its trends, stability and changes that will affect the health of the population. The survey is usually conducted while the observer sits in a car and it provides a visual overview of a community. A person can also perform a windshield survey by walking through the targeted area, (Ask.com, 2013). Community health nurses can perform windshield surveys very readily in the communities they serve. Community Communities can be defined in many ways. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary 2013, a community is a group of people who live in the same area (such as a city, town, or neighborhood). Communities are usually defined by its locality and the boundaries set by the local government. Community health is the health status of a group of people within a defined community. Health of a community is important to the success of the community. Community as a client refers to the concept of community as a broad group of people as the focus of nursing services provided. Healthy People 2020 Health Indicator Healthy People 2020 define many health indicators. One of these health indicators is reducing the proportion of children and adolescents who are considered obese. This health
indicator is important to ensure that future generations are obtaining the education they need to

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stay healthy for a lifetime. The nurses role is to educate the community regarding this risk factor. Obesity causes so many other medical issues that preventing it from a young age is extremely important.

Health Risk Health risks are active in all communities. Certain groups of people are at higher risk than others for certain things. For example, women are at higher risk to have breast cancer than men. Some communities are at higher risk for health issues than others. Low income communities have a tendency to be at a higher risk for teen pregnancy. Lack of funds for proper supervision of teens leads to risky behavior, (Stronks, 1998). Each community has health risks, and it is important to identify them so that community nurses can help to resolve the issue. Overall, windshield surveys allow for a quick appraisal of communities. Being able to identify health risks within the community is important for keeping the community healthy. Health indicators assist nurses in establishing goals for communities. By assessing a community through a windshield survey, a nurse can get a good understanding of how to help the community reach their health goals. Housing and zoning The houses are 50-60 years old and are wood-framed single family detached and some attached dwellings with limited space in front and back. Homes are close together. The architectural Transportation Most people own private vehicles and are driving. There are a few that utilize the public transport system (public bussing). There are a large number of younger people who ride bikes or scooters. Race and ethnicity Majority is Caucasian, some African Americans, some Hispanic, and very little Arabic The community is not very diverse, and could cause racial issues in the future.

4 WINDSHIELD SURVEY designs are fairly consistent with era they were built (60s). The houses are in fair repair. There is central heating, modern plumbing, and a few have air conditioning.

Open space There is very little open space. Yards are small and homes are close in proximity.lot sizes are small and yards are not kept clean Un kept yards can lead to bug infestations and disease.

Service centers There is a multitude of health care services available. Urgent cares, doctor offices, a hospital, nursing homes, and other outpatient services. Most of these are within walking distance.

Religion and politics Community has a large selection of a variety of religious opportunities. Protestant, Baptist, Lutheran, catholic, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, and Jehovah Witness churches are available. Both democratic and republican parties are present.

Boundaries There are a few signs that signal you are entering Union Township.

Stores and street people People are able to walk to a grocery store if needed. Stores look fresh and many have been remodeled. No street people identified.

Health and morbidity There are a variety of health issues including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and some have had a stroke or

5 WINDSHIELD SURVEY myocardial infarction in the past. Commons There are several community parks in the area. Many of these parks are connected by a system of trails. There is a river that runs through the community that people utilize for recreation. Signs of decay There are a few minor signs of decay. There are a few houses that remain empty from foreclosure. There is trash on some streets and in some yards. Trash can lure wild animals that carry disease into the neighborhood. This can be a potentially dangerous situation. Media There are no outdoor antennas visible. Most people have cable TV or satellite TV. Many people listen to the radio or their iPods. Most people use the internet, cell phones, and iPads. Residents read the Morning Sun, or CM Life newspapers. A variety of magazines are read also per the individuals preference.

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Ask.com. (2013). What is a windshield survey?. Retrieved from http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-a-windshield-survey Merriam-Webster. (2013). Definition of community. Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/community Stronks, K. (1998). A higher prevalence of health problems in low income groups: does it reflect relative deprivation?. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 52(9), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1756763/