Measuring contextual characteristics for community health.
OBJECTIVE
To conceptualize and measure community contextual influences on population health and health disparities.


METHODS
We use traditional and nontraditional secondary sources of data comprising a comprehensive array of community characteristics.


METHODS
Using a consultative process, we identify 12 overarching dimensions of contextual characteristics that may affect community health, as well as specific subcomponents relating to each dimension.


METHODS
An extensive geocoded library of data indicators relating to each dimension and subcomponent for metropolitan areas in the United States is assembled.


RESULTS
We describe the development of community contextual health profiles, present the rationale supporting each of the profile dimensions, and provide examples of relevant data sources.


CONCLUSIONS
Our conceptual framework for community contextual characteristics, including a specified set of dimensions and components, can provide practical ways to monitor health-related aspects of the economic, social, and physical environments in which people live. We suggest several guiding principles useful for understanding how aspects of contextual characteristics can affect health and health disparities.
Hillemeier
Marianne M
MM
Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802-6500, USA.
Lynch
John
J
Harper
Sam
S
Casper
Michele
M
D018672:Community Health Planning; D004493:Education; D004651:Employment; D004777:Environment; D006304:Health Status; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D011057:Politics; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D012961:Sociology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data