Understanding place in the realm of community health: Wichita's Northeast Community

Abstract

Place is an important factor in shaping the health of a population. To identify the potential reasons for health disparities in a particular population, one must recognize the web of social and historical relationships in which a community is embedded that shapes current community health outcomes. This paper reports on research that illuminates the felt needs of a community adjacent to Wichita State University, in Wichita, Kansas. In-depth interviews focused on health needs in the Northeast Community of Wichita were used to gain a deep understanding of health in this particular community. In addition, participant observation, surveys, and GIS mapping of demographics in the Central Northeast was utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of needs. This study highlights the significance of analyzing historical, political, and social relationships of a community in conjunction with quantitative data, to understand public health outcomes.