COMMUNITY

It is a social group determined by geographic

boundaries and / or common values & interests. Its
members know & interact with each other. It
functions within a particular social structure &
exhibits & creates norms, values & social
institutions.
 Classification of Communities
Urban – high density, a socially heterogeneous
population & a complex structure, non – agricultural
occupations, something different from an area
characterized by complex interpersonal social
relations.
• In the social science literature, urban is used to
refer to a quality of life that is typically found in
cities.
Rural – usually small & the occupation of
people are usually farming, fishing & food
gathering. It is peopled by simple folks
characterized by primary group relation,
well – knit & having a high degree of
group feeling.

Rurban - a combination of rural & urban

community
Components of a Community
 People - represents the core that
makes up the community. Included
in the community core is a study of
demographic characteristics of the
population as well as values, beliefs
& history of people
Eight [8] sub- systems of the
community
a. Housing – type / characteristics of housing
facilities, available housing facilities, housing
laws/ regulations governing people
b. Education- laws, regulations, facilities, activities
affecting education; ratio of health educators
to learners, distribution of educational facilities
& who utilize these ; presence of informal
educational facilities & activities
 c. Fire & safety- availability & accessibility of fire
protection & safety servi8ces & facilities
d. Politics & government- existing political
structure, decision – making process,
leadership style observed etc.

e. Health – facilities & services/ activities & its

availability & accessibility; ratio of providers &
clients availing of services

f. Communication – systems, types, form of

communication existing & how these influence
community health
g. Economics- occupation, types of
economic activities engaged by the
people

h. Recreation – activities & facilities,

including types of consumers,
appropriateness of recreational activities
to consumers etc.
Factors Affecting Community Health
[OLOF Optimum Level of Functioning -
of individuals, families, population
groups, communities]

1. Political - safety , oppression people

empowerment
2. Behavior- culture, habits, mores, ethnic customs
3. Heredity- genetic endowment- defects,
strengths, risks, familial, ethnic, racial
4. Health care delivery system -
promotive, preventive, curative,
rehabilitative
5. Environment- air , water, food, water
waste -urban rural, noise, radiation,
pollution
6. Socio – economic – employment,
education , housing