Community Health Needs Assessment

(County of Santa Barbara)

HSCI 617: Epidemiology

(Quiz #1)

Submitted to:
Dr. Monideepa Becerra

Submitted by:

Brailyn Bray B.S, MPH(c)

Julian C. Sacdalan, MBA, MPH(c)

October 30, 2017

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Community Description...Page 3

Methods............Page 4

Key Indicators

A. Demographic ...Page 5

B. Social and Economic Factors ..Page 7

C. Physical Environment ..Page 9

D. Healthcare Page 10

E. Health Behavior ..Page 12

Recommendations.Page 13

References.....Page 14

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COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Santa Barbara County is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, and one third of the County in Los

Padres National Forest to the northeast. The

County has a total area of 3,780 square

miles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Moreover, the land coverage is 2,700 square

miles while 1,050 square miles is water.

Channel Islands San Miguel Island, Santa

Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island and Santa Source: County of Santa Barbara website

Barbara Island make up another portion of the county. The County is divided into three major

regions: 1) North County which is composed of the cities of Guadalupe, Orcutt and Santa Maria;

2) Mid County, which consist of different cities such as: Buelton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos,

Solvang, Santa Ynez and Lompoc; and 3) South Countys cities are Goleta, Isla Vista, Santa

Barbara and Carpinteria.

According to the US Census

Bureau American Community

Survey 2011-2015, the County

of Santa Barbara, California

currently has an estimated

population of 440,000 people.

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 METHODS

The data for this community health assessment was gathered by the process of running an

indicator report of Santa Barbara County on the CHNA (Community Health Needs Assessment)

website. In addition, other sources that helped us gather more information to assess the

communitys health included the US Census Bureau American Community, County of Santa

Barbara, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A list of health indicators categorized

as: demographics, social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, health

behaviors and health outcomes was used as a guide to further analyze the communitys health.

Within these categories, we picked the appropriate indicators that were considered to have the

most impact on the countys population. We looked at each sub-group, and looked for both positive

and negative indicators, by looking at the red zones and high percentages. In addition, we chose

two to three health indicators from each category and provided a simple descriptive analysis. Based

on the data from the health indicators report, charts and tables were generated using the Excel

software and then transferred from the CHNA website to provide a visual comparison of the

county's data compared to the state of California and the United States.

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 KEY INDICATORS

A. Demographic

1) Population

Santa Barbara County is heavily populated with a total population of 435,850 people in

a 2,735.12 mi area, according to the U.S Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011-15

estimate. In comparison to the national average population density of 89.61 persons per mile, Santa

Barbara is much higher.

Analyzing this designated geographic area, it predicts a positive increase in the total

population. According to the United States Census Bureau Decennial Census, between 2000 and

2010 the population grew by 24,547 persons, a change of 6.15%. Changes in the size of the

population is based on the total number of births, deaths, and migrants. This may affect health care

providers and the use of community resources. In addition, the population age helps provide a

better understanding of the health

outcomes and health needs of the

community. In Santa Barbara County,

the percentage of population age is 18-64

years old. This represents 63.74% of the

total population, which is higher than the

California and United States percent

Source: Community Health Needs Assessment website

population of those 18-64 years old. A small percentage of youth age 18-24 years old make up this

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geographic area with a 5-6 percent higher population age of young adults compared to both

California and the United States.

2) Change in Total Population

Data Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey. 2011-15. Source geography: Tract

Looking at the health indicator report, we can see a positive increase in the Asian

population and a negative shift within the Black population. Overtime, change in population

impacts healthcare providers and the utilization of community resources.

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B. Social Indicators

1. Income - Families Earning Over $75,000

Social indicators such as income, insurance coverage, education, and economic support are

health determinants that impact the daily life of the populations community. As defined by the US

Census Bureau, a family household is any housing unit in which the householder is living with one

or more individuals related to him or her by birth, marriage, or adoption. A non-family household

is any household occupied by the householder alone, or by the householder and one or more

unrelated individuals. The average family income for this geographic location in which families

earn more than $75,000 results in almost half the population (49.89%). Compared to California

and United States family income of Over $75,000, Santa Barbara County is greater.

With approximately half the populations family income over $75,000, education plays a

key role. Having a Bachelor's degree or higher contributes to an

increase of those employed in the community. According to the

US Census Bureau, the American Community Survey 2011-15

reported 32.17% of Santa Barbara County population age 25 and

older to have a Bachelor's Degree or Higher. This indicator is

relevant to the community's health outcomes because educational

attainment has proven to have positive health impacts and lower unemployment rates. In addition,

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educational level contributes to economic growth and the high levels of living standards that exist

in this geographic area.

2) Insurance - Uninsured Population

The lack or presence of insurance is an indicator for poor or good health outcomes in a

population. The barriers such as access to health care and affordable insurance coverage are the

primary barrier to

healthcare access. The

data from the U.S Census

Bureau estimated Santa

Barbara County 15% of

its population are

uninsured. This is important because it provides a foundation of the health status in the population

compared to the United States and California. In the State of California and the United States, 14%

and 12% of the population are uninsured respectively, it can be concluded that the need for health

care access and other health services are essential.

3) Lack of Social and Emotional Support

Other social and economic

indicators that contribute to

good health is access to

social and emotional

support. This means the

lack of a network support

system, families and communities cannot thrive. San Barbara County population will have access

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to these resources can improve the communities ability to engage in healthy behaviors, sustain

good health, and economic stability. Analyzing data from the Centers of Disease Control,

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for Santa Barbara, an estimated 25% of the total

population reported a lack of adequate social and emotional support. This percent was reported by

young adults 18 years of age and older, higher than the National and California age-adjusted

percentage.

C. Physical Environment

1. Food Access - Grocery Store

The physical geographic location of Santa Barbara County is made up of several small

stores and supermarkets. Having access to healthy food items at affordable prices is important to

provide alternative health foods and dietary habits. The indicator reports 133 grocery store

establishments per 100,000 populations. This is 33% of the population who has access to healthy

foods. In comparison to California (21.75%) and United States (21.19%), Santa Barbara physical

environment provides a variety of healthy food options to improve the community. In contrast,

food access for low income population is very poor. Santa Barbara County has an estimated (6%)

food access rate compared to California and the United States low income population. This means

low income population is living in a food desert environment. Therefore, resulting in poor health

Source: Community Health Needs Assessment website

outcomes due to the lack of multiple affordable and accessible food establishments like

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supermarkets. Having a community with healthy food options contributes in eliminating food

deserts and diet-related disease like obesity and diabetes.

2) Recreation and Fitness Facility Access

Recreational opportunities is another physical indicator for community health status. The

County of Santa Barbara has 3,789 square miles of land and water, the

access of recreational opportunities and activities is broad. This

indicator reports an increase in recreational facilities and access for the

community over the years of 2010-2015 at an estimated (12.27) rate,

per 100,000 population. Recreational opportunities and fitness centers

readily accessible in a community is important because it provides a

safe environment and promotes healthy lifestyle.

D. Healthcare

1) Access to Primary Care

A lack of access to care presents barriers to good health. According the Community

Needs Assessment Health Indicator report, rates of morbidity, mortality, and emergency

hospitalizations can be reduced if community residents access services such as health screenings,

routine tests, and vaccinations. Prevention indicators can call attention to a lack of access or

knowledge regarding one or more health issues and can inform program interventions. Access to

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the dentist is another health indicator for Santa Barbara County. This population has approximately

(76%) dentists establishments rate, per 100,000 population. This indicator reports a higher dentists

rate per 100,000 population than the National rate of (65%). Having access to clinical care such as

dentist establishments is important to prevent and control potential dental disease in the community

as well as the overall appearance and quality of life in within the population.

2) Lack of Prenatal care

The rate of uninsured, financial hardship, cultural competency, and coverage

limitations affect the access to healthcare. For this reason, this health indicator reports the lack of

prenatal care as a direct health care indicator for Santa Barbara County. The lack of prenatal care

accounts for (28%) of mothers who have late or not started prenatal care. This percentage is

approximately (10%) higher than the state of California and U.S rate. This is a health concern

because the lack of access of prenatal care is associated with low births rates an increased

likelihood of maternal and infant health risks.

E. Behaviors

1. Walking or Biking to work

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 Daily exercise is important for a

good health. Whether it is walking,

running, or riding a bike, the lack of

exercise plays a vital role in the overall

health. This health indicator report for

Santa Barbara County indicates

Source: Community Health Needs Assessment website
approximately (8.4%) of individuals 16

years of age and older, who walks or rides a bike to work. This is (5%) higher than California and

the United States percentage. Walking or riding a bike to work is a great way to engage in

recreational opportunities and practice positive health behaviors.

2) Alcohol Consumption

Eighteen percent of the

adults aged 18 and older

are considered heavy

drinker in the county of

Santa Barbara.

According to Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol consumption is (defined as more than two drinks per day

on average for men and one drink per day on average for women). This is a health concern for the

population that causes significant health issues such as cirrhosis, cancers, and untreated mental

and behavioral health needs.

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

Overall, based on the data gathered, Santa Barbara Countys has general good

health. However, poor health indicators that exist in the county, raise concern for new policies

and recommendations to enhance the communities health outcomes in the areas of physical

environment, and health care. In the physical environment, the low-income population

experiences low access to healthy foods. Approximately (30%) of the population is a food desert.

Because Santa Barbara is such a huge county, there is a need for more supermarket establishments

in the low-income neighborhoods and community. Although we want to limit the amount of fast

foods and corner stores, implementing affordable but health food options in the low-income areas,

we can improve the health outcomes. Another recommendation, would be to implement

transportation routes besides bike trails, where those in the low-income community can access

supermarkets.

Based on the behavior indicator, we determined the adult population to be heavy drinkers.

As a recommendation, having healthcare providers to implement an alcohol brief intervention

program with screening, feedback on clients behavior, and alternative solutions, a foundation of

a support system can encourage change. In addition, if the county can lower adult heavy drinkers

by having a written policy for employers that promote an alcohol-free workplace, employers will

be educated about alcohol and drug use as part of general employee wellness. Also, the local

government can implement a policy wherein the establishment like restaurants, local diners, and

supermarkets not to sell liquor /alcohol every Sunday of the month. Lastly, the lack of prenatal

care can be improved by providing a free clinic for the pregnant mothers throughout the county

at local pharmacies, schools, and workplace where mothers can receive prenatal and information

and on taking care of their own health to reduce mother and child health risks.

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References

Websites:

CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d). Retrieved October 25, 2017 from

http://www.cdc.gov

Community Health Need Assessments -Community Commons. (n.d). Retrieved October 13,

2017, from https://www.communitycommons.org/chna/

County of Santa Barbara. (n.d) Retrieved October 20, 2017 from http://www.countyofsb.org

US Census Bureau American Community. (n.d) Retrieved October 13, 2017 from

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/

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